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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 



-OF- 



GENESEE COUNTY 
MICHIGAN 



B. F. BOWEN & CO., PiiN/sfurs 

INDIANAPOLIS 






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PREFACE. 



Ill placint;' this xdlunie nf the "I'.iiit;"ra])hic;il Hisinry"' hctnrc tlic people 
iif ( ienesee C'()unt\'. Alicliigaii. the [juhhshers can conscientiously claim that 
tlie\ have carried out in all respects e\er_\- ])romise made in the prospectus. They 
]ioint with pride to the elegance of the Uiiuling of the volume, and to the 
lieaiit\- of the t\'i)o.g;'raph\'. to the su])eriorit\- of the jiapcr on which the work 
is ])riiitcil. and the high class of art in which the ])ortraits are finished. Every 
biograi)liical sketch in the work has been subiuitted to the party interested 
for appro\a1 and correction, and therefore any error of fact, if there be an)-. 
is soleh- due to the per.son for whom the sketch was prepared. 

The publishers would here awail themselves o\ the op])ortunit}.' to thank 
tlie citizens for the unifonu kindness with which they have regarded this 
undertaking and for their many services rendered in the gaining' of necessary 
information. Confident that our efforts to please will fully meet the appro- 
bation of the i)ublic. we are, Respectfully 

B. F. BowEX & CoMP.vxv. 

I'u1)lisliers. 



INDEX. 



A l'"rien<l ti i Man 315 

-Adams, All)t'i-t L 347 

Adams, jay 210 

Adams, Jayiio C 121 

Alhro, Jarvis E 282 

Atherton. Samuel R 357 

Atlierton. Ciiarles C 357 

Austin, James S jji 

Aitken, Robert P 384 

Banker. Almeron D 1 50 

Bates. William Rufus 85 

Bates. Trving- 1! 86 

Bates Charles 326 

Becker, John 115 

Beebe, Zala 366 

Begole, CIov. J. W 27, 

Beecher, I^lhert L 160 

Benson, Hon. John Roger 317 

t!urt, l-redrick J 353 

pjutton. (ieorge \\ 364 

Bridgman. Charles T 321 

Billings, Hon. Simeon Rext'ord 300 

Buck, Albert H 305 

Burroughs, James F'olk 21 

Bnrnham, La Forest 212 

Birdsall. Andrew P 303 

Bovee. h'rank t,^^ 

Barney. M. C 57 

Bowman, Mehin C" 200 

Bri i\\ n. ( leorge V igo 

Burr. Arthur () 94 

?!arker. .\braham 28 

Baker. Charles 388 

Carman. R. A 355 

Clarke. I'. I ) 65 



IXDEX. 

Conoxer, C. H. \\' ^2 

=-Co(ly. Ahin Xelsijii 30 

Corrigall, James K 198 

Curts, Edwin J 206 

' Cook, George W 193 

Collins, Ji ilm W 127 

Crawford, iJa\id 289 

■ Crawford, J( )sep]i H 289 

Crapser, Jonathan 133 

Curti.s, Hon. George M 96 

Crocker, Stephen 296 

Colwell, D. G 387 

De Land, Charles F 335 

Dunl)ar, Joseph L 137 

Dewey. George M 35 

Doyle, Thomas 93 

Eddy, Hon. Jerome 267 

h'landers, George D 89 

Failing, James H 246 

Fenti m, Ji isejjli Brush 54 

Fenton, Col. William Matthew 18 

h'armer, 'idiomas 123 

.French, James B 182 

Fisher, William L 226 

Frishie, Nathaniel H 129 

I'rawley, James V 186 

' Freeman, Leonard 387 

Garner, \\'illiam A 145 

Gilhert, Erastus Derwin 202 

Greenfield, James \l 169 

Gilbert, Hiram B 131 

Given, Dr. S. \\' 345 

Gilmore, William 298 

Grafif, Otto P 117 

Howe, George R 388 

Hall, Frank E 387 

Hamilton, William 176 

Hamilton, John 175 

Hart, Orrin 125 

Hollidav, Franklin E 139 

Hall. Frank T 208 

Hvatt, .\lonzo B 63 



INDEX. 

llendersiin. James 42 

Hilton, (ieorge W i :;6 

Hiller. J )avi<'l W 143 

Hn^lies. jiihn I' 274 

Hurley. James J 337 

Hufjlies. John ^yg 

Hus^lies. Charles ( i 388 

] letchler, Clarence C) 308 

Kini^'. William J 1 ic) 

Kna])]), Leonard E 113 

Jennino-s, John L 46 

Judd, F"rederick W'elton jj 

ivendrick, Augustus I\ 188 

KurU, Jacob 228 

Lewis. C. J 313 

Law, William 1 ^4 

Lippincott. C. A 44 

Lee, Captain E. S 342 

Love, (jeorge E 2^1 

La Due, George 224 

Lyons. Abraliam AI 214 

Lochhead, Colonel ( ). F 83 

Mm-ra}', Ransom X jt^j 

Miindy. (jeorge E 13:; 

McCall. Alexander 371 

:\rcCalJ. Arthur C ^4 

Millard, Orson 50 

Mch'arlan, Alexander 38 

ALirshall, (ieorge Cordon 294 

]Mc(!illi\"ra}", Archibald 216 

Murphy, Rev. T. J 34c) 

Myers, (ieorge C 382 

Martin. Charles S.. Capt Hj 

Mc(ircgor, William 81 

IMcKinlcy, (ieorge E 100 

-McWethy, iM-ank t,2^ 

Michigan School for the Deaf ^Hq 

Xewman, Ezra 141 

Xewall, Captain ( Icorge E 71 

Xewl)old, William 269 

Ottaway. William J 276 

Owen, Tahnon C. 248 



IXDEX. 

Ottaway, Fred R 291 

Ottaway. James E 162 

^ Pierson. Charles S 287 

Packard, George 164 

Pierson. Enos D 48 

Pratt. Daniel D 103 

Paine. William 158 

Pratt. William R 152 

Pierson. George B 149 

Partridge. Thomas D 324 

Prnsser. Hon. H. H 359 

Rutherfi ml. Frank J 204 

Russell. William FI 222 

Ransom. Alhert E 180 

Rust. Edward G 284 

Randall. Rev. Edgar 369 

Rankin. Hon 1-^rancis H 361 

Seeley. ]\lar\in L 195 

Saigeon. Edward M 184 

Slaght. Dr. Andrew 147 

Stockton. Colonel 218 

Stex'enson. William 69 

Stone. Oren 339 

Stevens, Har^•ev 273 

Shank. John K.'. AI. D 280 

Stephens. John Charles C 249 

Sayre. Ira T 380 

St. Alary's Catholic Church 333 

Torrey, James M 242 

Torrey. Alonzo 239 

Torrey. Asa -^^j 

Torrey. Jesse 235 

Talbot. Xelson Xicholas 241 

Tavlor. \\ arren Haven 2~S 

The Torrey Family 234 

Tupper. Theodore ]M 91 

Tock. Orson W.. :\I. D 166 

Tupper. Frederick L., M. D 217 

Turner. George Henry 105 

Turner, Edward C 26 

Thompson. Lafayette 1 1 1 



/.\7)/;A'. 

I lioiiison. Airs. Sarah I crcsa 378 

Tlmmson, Col. Edwanl II 376 

W'lt. I'lank 286 

\'an Tifriiii. Rfuliun 33 

\\ illcl. Till Unas A 292 

W'illet, Mrs. K. .\ 292 

W'iialey. Ruben J 1 72 

Wells,' Frank L." 40 

Walker, Levi, Hon 262 

W alker, (ieors^e M 262 

Walsh, Joseph 310 

\\ i)\ert(in. \\ illiani C 61 

Wicks, Samuel P. 230 

Wilson, Samuel j 244 

W'l It h1, l'~(l\vin ( ) 2^^ 

Walker, Henry Clark '. 328 

Wiiod. Thomas P 265 

Walker, Hon. James Barton 374 

Walker. Lsaac X 33 1 

Zimmerman. John C 109 



"Biograph\- is the onl\- true liistor\-." 

— hiiicrsoii. 




COLONEL WTLTJAM ^lATTHEW FENTON. 



Colonel William M. I'entc.n, father of Joseph Brush Eenton. was born 
in X.irwich. C'henango county. New ^'ork. December 19. 1S08. He was 
graduated from Hamilton College, Clinton, Xew York state, in 1826. and 
then spent tour years upon the sea. He rose from the rank of common saik)r 
to the office of first mate of a merchantman, and was then proft'ered the 
captaincy, but declined. He was niarrie.l m April. 1S35. to the daughter of 
Judge James Birdsall, of Xorwich, Xew \'ork, and in July of that year settled 
in Pontiac, ^lichigan, engaging in the mercantile business with Robert Le Roy. 

In April. 1837, he settled in 1 )ibbleville, Genesee county, the village that 
later changed its name in bis honor. He engaged in business as a merchant 
and real estate broker. He was admitted to the bar in 1842. In 1S44 he 
was defeated as a Democratic cand.idate for the state legislature, but in 
1 840 he was elected to the senate of that liody from the Cenesee district. 
He took an active part in the state sch. .ol for the deaf, dumb and blind. In 
1848 he was elected lieutenant-governor and re-elected in 1850. L pon re- 
moving to Mint be was appointed by President Pierce as registrar of the 
land office there, and contmue.l bis .-fbcial duties in that capacity until the 



GEXESEE COlXlN\ MICIIKIAX. 19 

removal of the office to Saginaw. In iS^d he visited Europe with liis family. 
In 1858 he was elected maynr ni I'lint and t;"a\e el'ticient ser\icc. 

When the war clmid hnikc 1 i\er the country there was no more loyal 
suppiirter of the L'ninn cause than William M. l-'cntmi. lie wired ( Icjvernor 
lilair t(i draw on him for $5,000 to ecpiip the hrst company of troops called 
into service, luirlv in i8()! he was made major of the Seventh Michigan In- 
taiUrv. hut hefore mustering he was conimissidued hy (lnvernor Blair as 
colonel of the Eighth .Michigan Inlantry. lie saw tn it that the regiment 
was drilled and read\ for ser\ice in a remarkalily short time, .\fter some 
weeks spent in Cam]) .\ndersciu at ( iraud l\a])ids. the regiment was mustered 
into the L'nited States .service at h't. Wayne and departed fur Washington. 
This cnmpanv, with the Seventx-niiUh Xew V(irk, was carried hy the ocean 
steamer "A'anderhilt" im tlie e\i)editiiin tn Hilton Head. Xorth Carolina, 
under Ceneral Sherman, the hrigade commander heing lirigadier-ficneral 
Isaac I. Stevens. The introduction to actual warfare was the attack and 
capture of the Confederate forts. Walker and Beauregard, in South Carolina, 
the former heing taken possession of hy the Eighth Michigan Regiment. 
1"he first hattle in wliich the regiment participated was at Coosaw ri\'cr on 
Xew ^'ear's Dav, iHCij. .\t the hattle of James Island the Eighth lost 
heavily, heing in the advance attack nn a formidahle fnrt. and not receiving 
adetjuate support. The loss to the regiment in killed, wounded, and missing 
was one-third of their entire numher. One of those killed in the conflict was 
Cajjtain .S. C. ( iuild. nf Mint, commanding Company .\. During these opera- 
tii.ms Cnlduel I'entim had lieen in c imm;ind of the lirigade. and upon his own 
request was released and assumed the direct command of his regiment. Be- 
ing returned to Fortress Monroe the regiment was attached to the .\rmy of 
the Potomac and fought at Second lUill Run. Chantilly, South Moum.ain and 
.\ntietam, at the latter ])lace twenty-sc\en men out of two hundred in actual 
engagement were lost outright. I'oloncI Fenton resigned his comm.aud wliile 
at Xewport Xews. his health heing greatl_\- impaired. 

V\)nn his return to ^Michigan he was Democratic candidate for governor 
;md later devoted his attention to his hnsiness. including the huidling of the 
hrick hlock on .Saginaw street, erected in 1803. and which, after forty years 
of the citv's growth and improvement, is a credit to the architecture of Mint, 
lie was made chief of the tire department upon the organization of a cit_\' 



20 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

government, his death, on May 12. 1871, being the result of his zeal in the 
performance of his duty. His loss was a blow to the community and was 
keenly felt throughout the city. At the time of his funeral, business houses 
closed and man^■ were draped in mourning. He was a ripe scholar and had 
attained to the fullest confidence of his townsmen. His wife had preceded 
him three vears before, and he was surxixed bv his four children. 




(AMES i'ULK BURROL'GHS. 



James Polk Uurniughs was born at Seneca Falls. Seneca county, Xew 
York. September 19, 1844, tbe only son of Jonatban Edington Burroughs 
and I-diza (Hood) Burrougbs. He bad three sisters, Asenath, Mercy, and Ella. 
He spent his early life upon the home farm, entering the schools at Ovid. New 
York, completing his educatiim at tbe State Normal school at Ypsilanti, 
[Michigan. At tbe age of twentv-tbree be Ijegan bis long and successful 
business career bv bu\'ing a farm near Waterloo. New ^'ork. On the iilb 
of November. i<S6S, he was united in marriage with Caroline O. Romig, 
daughter of Elias and Eucinda Baldwin i'lomig. at Waterloo. New York, 
and lived on his farm until \^J2. when he UKixed U> Mint, Michigan, where 
be ]i\ed until his death. 

On coming to bdint Mr. ISurniughs bnugbt tbe Thread Mills property, 
which consisted nf a llouring mill and sawmill. Ihe business was conducted 
as a ]:)artnersbip between himself and Herman E. Pierson for many years, 
with m.arkcd success. Idieir pro]ierty was com])lctely destroyed by fire, but 
with undaunted courage the nn'll was soon relniilt on a more extensive scale 
than before. This (|ua]it\' of cnurage stood him in good stead nianv times 
later in his long lousiness career. Eater on ]Mr. C. M. Harris was admitted to 
the firm, which was then stvled Burroughs. Pierson & Harris, and so con- 



22 BIOGKAI'IJIC.VL HISTORY 

ilucted for se\-eral }'ears. when Mr. Burrciuglis retired fn iin the tirm ami 
purchased the City Alills. He imprii\-ed this property ami operated it until 
his death. 

;\Ir. Burniughs had three daughters — Ella Louise, Frances Lucinda, and 
-Bessie Baldwin, and one son, J. Eding-ton Burroughs, wlm, ha\ing- lieen a 
partner in the firm for some time, continued the management of the business 
after the death of his father. 

Wdiile Mr. Burroughs directed his attention mainly along th.e line of 
flour milling, he engaged at different times in other enterprises, the most 
important (if which were the Burroughs & Carter Conipau}-, doing a cold 
storage business, and the Soper Manufacturing Co., wdiose line was cooperage, 
and in wdiich he \\'as the directing spirit. 

Mr. Bjurr(.)Ughs was nota])ly a man of great pul)lic spirit and was ioYe- 
niost in all mo\-ements tending to better the welfare of the city anil com- 
munit\'. Among his business associates he was known as a man ha\-ing a keen 
insight into affairs, and his ad\'ice in matters pertaining to business was 
considered of much value. In jiolitics he was an active Democrat, but never 
sought or as]iire(l to pulilic |)referment, and contributed much to the part}' 
harmon^• in the cit^•. Socially he was a courteous gentleman and possessed 
an unusual number ijf friends. He was a member (if the congregation (jf 
the l-'irst Bresb\-terian church. He was also a member of the following- 
Masonic bodies: Flint Lodge, Xo. 23, I'ree and Accepted ^Masons ; 
Washington Chapter, Xo. 15, Royal Arch ]Masons.. and (ienesee 
Valley Commandery, X^o. 15. Knights Templar, and the 
Mystic Shrine. He also affiliated \vith the Royal Arcanum, Tribe of Ben Hur 
and the IMaccabees. 'Mr. Burroughs was cut off in the midst of a bus}- and 
useful career, on Julv 20, K902. His death w-as sudden and w-h(jlly unex- 
pected bv his family, and was a great shock to them and his wide circle of 
friends. He was survived bv bis wife and children, his mother, and sister, 
Mrs. Asenath B. Edw-ards. His funeral was conducted by the Genesee Valley 
Commanderv. Knights Templar, and he was laid to rest in Glenwood Ceme- 
ter-\' at Flint. Michigan. 




(;()\'i-:i>:.\()R i. w . p.PidOLE. 



losialt W . P)Ci4iile. i^i )\-ernnr of Micliij^an. iSS3-i<SS4, was Ijorii in I.i\- 
ingston cnuiity. Xew N'urk. Jaiiuar\' jn. 1X13. Mis ancestors were l'"rench 
Huguenuts. wlio were drixen fn nn l-"rance tlir(iut;"li religious persecutions and 
sought lil)ert\' <if conscience 1)\- eniii;ratini;' to the L nited States in the hist 
(|uarter of the eigiiteent'.i centnrw Tin's particular family settled at Hag'ers- 
town, Maryland. William, the father of jdsiah \\'., was horn there in 1786. 
In iSoj the fanulx' renio\-ed to the wilderness of l,i\-in,t;ston count\'. Xew 
N'ork. heing op])osed to the institution of sla\er}', although the\' themselves 
were slave owners. Ili>\\t'\er. tlic)' purchased sla\'es soleh' for the purpose 
of gi\-iug tlicm iheir freediiui. 

\\'ilhani I'.egole was a soldier, serxdug (hn"iug the war of iSu. In 1S14 
he married the daughter of Ca])tain Thomas lioles. a re\'ohuionar\- soldier 
who had served under W ashington. Ihis family was also froni llagerstown. 
M.aryland. having come north for the same reason as the iJegoles. W illiam 
I'egole and wife hecame the ])arents of ten children. Of this family three 
sons came west and settled in (ienesee county. William Begole (h'ed in 1862. 
at the age of seventy-si.x. 

Josiali was educated in Temple llilt .\cadem\' in (ienesee countv. Xew 
York. Being the eldest of the family and df an anihilious tui-n of mind, \dung 
I'egole. in August. 183(1. with Init Sioo in his pocket, resolved to seek hetter 



24 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

ouiiortunities. He came west to the territory of ^lichigan when this section 
was still an unbroken wildeniess. He taught one or two terms of school later, 
"boarding around," as it was called, among the patrons. He was clerk of 
the first election in the place where he was located, there being but four or 
five shanties in the town. Later he helped to build the land office. Ii> 1839 
he was married to ]Miss Harriet A. Miles, daughter of Alanly and Hilary 
Allies, and a native of Connecticut. The groom was attired in a handsome 
l)lue suit, ornaments, and large brass buttons, while the bride was arrayed in 
white. The ceremony was held in the log cabin of his wife's father, located 
on the Saginaw road, two miles north of Flint. His wife pro\"ed to be a 
most judicious selection, and it was to her constancy, ad\'ice, and co-operation 
in everv emergency in life that mucli of her husband's subsequent social, 
business, and political success can be attributed. They began housekeeping 
in a ])rimitive h(_ime in the woods in (ienesee township. Mr. Begoles' energies 
were devoted to the development of a farm out of the surrounding wilderness. 
Eighteen years of arduous labor and sacrifice followed, resulting, however, in 
the making of a fine 500-acre farm and the placing of them in comfortable 
circumstances. He was called upon repeatedly to serve his felli.^w towns- 
men in local offices, and in 1856 was elected county treasurer, continuing for 
eight rears, covering much of the period of the rebellion, at which time his 
services were continually in demand in recruiting and equipping soldiers for 
the front, and in attending to the needy widows and families at home. The 
greatest sorrow of his life was lirought l)y the death of his si:>n, W illiam. 
who died in the Atlanta campaign in 18(14. When in congress a few years 
later, Mr. Begole voted and championed the soldiers' equalization bill, an act 
purporting to do justice to the soldiers who bore the heat and burden of the 
(lav. and who should share equally with him who came in at the eleventh hour. 
In 1870 lie was elected to the state senate, where he serA'ed on the committee 
of finance and railroads, and was chairman of the committee on the institute 
for the deaf. dumb, and blind. Realizing the need of a new capitol building 
he assisted in drafting a bill for the same. Being a delegate to the national 
Republican convention, held at Philadelphia in 187J, he was chosen a member 
(if the delegation to go to Washington to apprise General Grant and Senator 
Wilson of their nomination. 

He was induced to become a candidate for meiubership in the forty-fifth 
congress, his election resulting in a handsome majority. He was a valued 



(;e.\I':see C()L■x'^^■. mu iik.ax. 25 

menil)er of the Cdniniittec nn agriculture and pul)lic expeuditiu'es. IJeino- one 
lit l)iit se\entceu tanners in cdu^Tcss, he was chosen to draft tlie most im- 
portant report of the ai^ricuUural committee co\'erint;- the only subject men- 
tioned in the I'resident's message. He voted for the currency hill, the re- 
monetization of siKer, and the financial measures that have since l)ecome the 
settled ])olicy of the go\ernment. His position on these questions made him 
a Greenhacker. and in 1X.S2 he was the gubernatorial candidate for the (ireen- 
back ar.d Democratic jiarties, being elected by a \'ole of over 154.000. defeat- 
ing the Reiniblican candidate In' oxer 7.000 votes. 

In 1S81 a great calamity overtook the people of northwestern ^Michigan, 
whole c<iunties being devastated liy fires. th<iusands being left destitute and 
forlorn. While relief committees were quarreling over the distril)ution of 
funds. (io\ernor ISegole wrote an agent in the unfortunate district a letter, 
from which we make the following extract: 

'■L"ntil the differences between the two committees are adjusted and you 
receive regular supplies from them, draw on me. Let no one suft'er while 
I ha\e money." 

This incident displaxs his true character. He made an envia1)le record as 
chief cxecuti\e of the state, leaving the office with hosts of warm friends 
throughi lut the state. 

(iovernor Begole took an actixe part in the \arious lines of business that 
ha\-e made Flint so well known. notabl\- the Mint Wagon Works as one. 
( )thcrs were the water and gas wurks. and the Citizens' Commercial and Sa\-- 
ings Bank, he being \ice-])resident of the latter. He was an extensi\e luml)er- 
man for man}' years, his enterprises affording employment to a host of men. 

Their family consisted of five children, four reaching maturity. One of 
these is Mrs. C. W. Cummings; William died at Lookout mountain and his 
body was interred at bdint with military honors: another son. l^'rank. died in 
Florida in 1877: Charles is a resident of Flint. 

I'ull of years and honors. Governor Begole passed peacefully from among 
the scenes of a bus}' life on the fth of June. 1896. The widow survives at the 
old hiiuie on P>each street, which for half a centurv was the center of the social 
and intellectual life of bdint. 



26 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

EDWARD C. TL'RXER. 

Priiminent among the citizens nf Mint, who for }ears were clnsely iden- 
tified with its gri_)\vth and development, was Edward C. Turner, whd was 
born at Owego, Xew York. February i. 1830, and (bed at Flint January 9. 
1896. His boyhood days were spent at Owego, where his education included 
training at Owego Academy. Later be entered AN'abasb College, at Craw- 
fordsville, Indiana, being among the earliest students to enroll in this sturd}- 
[)ioneer college of the middle \vest. Its first president was an Owego m;m, 
and se\eral ()\\eg(j boys, including l^dward Turner, accompanied the new- 
president to his chosen iield c^f labor. 

Later ]\Ir. Turner became clerk in a general store at Aurora, Xew \ ork. 
He was married at Ithaca. Xew York. Septemlier 4. 1855, to Aliss Cornelia 
Sevmour, of Ithaca, which is the seat of the famous Cornell University. After 
marriage tbev remo\-ed to Flint, Alicbigau, and ^h-. Turner bought what 
has since become known as the Crapo Lumber Mills. He Ijecame associated 
in its ownership with ^Ir. Edward ^IcOuigg, also of Xew York, and this a.s- 
sociation was maintained until the mill was S(.)ld to Governor Crapo. It was 
a large plant and its business was transacted on a large scale. After the 
sale of the mills Mr. Turner became as.sociated with Henry Haynes in the 
mercantile business and continued at this for several years under the name 
of Havnes & Turner. After leaving this branch of labor Mr. Turner became 
a postottice inspector and engaged in that work for several }-ears. His later 
life was devoted to the insurance business. In company with Orrin Stone. 
;\Ir. Turner laid out Stone & Turner's addition on the north side of the city. 
He built the present Turner homestead o\er fifty years ago. It adjoins the 
Frederick Judd homestead on the east side of Eearsey street, and was one of 
the finest residences of Flint, in its daw and stands yet a creditable monument 
to its builder. It has long been a .social center in Flint, its mistress being one 
of the many popular ladies of the citw 

^ir. Turner was a Repuljlican. but ne\er aspired for public office. He 
was a first cousin to the widely known and highly admired Senator Piatt of 
Xew York. As a family the Turners took an active part in church work, 
also, Mrs. Turner being of special usefulness in the societies of the Episco- 
palian church. The family consisted of several children. These are: ^[ar- 
garette. who was married to Wilbur F. Davidson, of Port Huron; Anna, who 



(ilCXESEE COL'XTV. ^[ICH1(;.\^■. 



-/ 



l)ecame the wife of !•'. R. I'inkenstaedt. of l!ay Cnv: Josephine, wlio is Mrs. 
Jolin Derlj}'. of New ^nrk city; I'rancis Turner iiiatt. at liome. .\11 llie 
children have l^een acti\c in tlie hfe of the town, and Mrs. Turner lias prnx-ed 
to he not only a S(jcial leader, hut alsu an ideal UKither and g^uardian of the 
home. 




ABRAHAM BARKER. 



jNIr. Aljrali.'ini Barker was biirn in the caiitim of Argean in Switzerland 
August 24, 1823. In 1834. at the age of ele\en years, he came to America 
with his parents, Jacob and Barbara Barker, who settled upon a farm near 
Batavia, Xew York. Abraham remained there six years and then l^ecame an 
apprentice at the shoemaking trade at Batavia, devoting three years to tlie 
work. Having learned the trade he worked at the business in various places, 
such as Butfalii. .Vle.xandria, r^Iassillon, Ohio, etc. In 1840 he came to Flint 
with his parents, who took possession of a farm in Genesee township, where 
the parents spent tlie remainder of their days. The father died at the age of 
sixt}'-si.x years. 

Abraham Ijecame empkiyed in Flint and worked for about one year, 
and opened up a .shop of his nwn in 1841. He remained in this shop until the 
building burned, and in 1845 bought the property. Here later he erected the 
three-story structure, corner of Saginaw and Union streets, taking as a 
partner Mr. William Pattison. He also built other business structures, but 
de\'0ted the major part of his time to the shoe manufacturing business, carry- 
ing on this work in partnership with Mr, Pattison and also later with Mr. 
Riplev, and fi.M- fiitv vears was engaged in the shoe manufacturing and leather 
business. 



(;f..\I':s1':i-: corx'i'N'. michicax. 29 

For a few years lie ci])erate(l a laiiiicry and then, in CMnjunctinn with 
Messrs. Ripley and rattismi, he nwned and operated a tannery at X'assar, 
Michitj'an, and eventually the leather line liecame the ninre extensive phase 
I if the business. His executive ahilitx' and acute insii^ht intn the ])nil)lems of 
the business soon placed them on a footing e(jual to an_\- similar concern in 
the middle west, and full confidence was commanded from all with whom 
the firm came in contact. 

In t866 he erected his ])resent residence at 705 Xorlh (larland street, 
this being at that time one of the tirst homes in the city. He also became 
the owner of a fine farm three miles from Flint. During his latter years he 
has withdrawn in a measure from active participation in the leather business, 
and has given the greater part of his time looking after his i)ropert\' interests. 

In ic^47 I\lr. ]'.arker was married to Miss Hester F2aton, who died five 
years later, having become the mother of two children. These were Eug'ene 
and \\'allace, the latter dying at the age of twent\-four. Eugene has his 
home at Jackson, [Michigan. In June, 1856, Mr. Barker was again married, 
this time to Harriet Townsend. They celebrated their fiftieth w^edding anni- 
versary a year ago. The latter union has resulted in the l)irth of six children. 
Carrie is in Xorth Carolina. Hattie, wdio was a teacher f(jr a time, is now 
at home, as is also the other daughter. Alice. William is employed in foun- 
dry work in Fdint. Frank is on a farm near Mt. Alorris, and the other 
son. Ralph, is at home. 

Mr. Barker has been a loyal and interested citizen, and has left his 
impress on l)i"ith the social and industrial life of the conimunitv. 




AL\'1X XELSOX CODY. 

"We live in deeds, not years: in tliDUglits, not breaths: 

In feelings, not in figures on tlic dial. 

We should count time by heart thnil)s. 

lie nidst lives 

\\ lid tliinks most, feels noblest, acts liest." 

— IMiilip James Bailey. 



'I'he name of Codv is familiar all ex er the American continent, and since 
"Buffalo Bill's" tour of Europe, the name is familiar there also. But this 
sketch is not intended to deal with the noted man of 'AN'ild West"' fame, 
hut of his fourth cousin. Alvin X. Cody, superintendent of schools of Flint. 
He was ])orn at Alayville. Tuscola county. INlicln'gan, September lO. 1868. 
His father. Xelson Cody, originally of ( )ntario, was a skilled millwright and 
wheelwright, and came from Lapeer county to 'I'uscola county in 1864. In 
1866 he. with ^Ir. Horace Fox. built and set in operation a large mil! at 
Mavville. continuing at this work until 1870, at which time he retired to 
his farm two miles from ]\Iayville. Here he spent his remaining days, pass- 
ing awa^• Septemlier 23, 1903. at the age of se\ent\--two. His wife's maiden 
name was Emilv Swift, daughter of Joseph and Harriet Swift, pioneers from 



CF.XESF.F. rorXTV. MKIIKiAX. 31 

till.' "XuluK'g' slate."' (_'(innccliciU. I liey came td Michii;;m when Lapeer 
CdiiiU)' was still a wilderness. ( )ne of their sons, Rew William J. Swift, 
(if Lansing'. Michigan, was the tirsi student li< enter the l'ni\'ersit\' of Michi- 
.yan f n ini l.apeer ciunty. 

When AKin's parents estaljlished themseKes in Tuscola count}' the town 
(if .Ma\\i]le wa> not in existence. They helped to orpfanizc the first Metho- 
dist i'-pisciipal class estahlished there, and contrihuled much tnward the 
,t;"niwth and ])ros])erity <>i the church. llis father took an actixe ])art in 
schi M il atfairs, ser\-inf^' for se\'eral }'ears as scIk.ioI insi)ector. He had decided 
ci)n\'ictiiins cm matters poHtical, also, and \oted fur l-'remmit. Later he fol- 
lowed the dictates of his conscience and threw all df his inlhience on the side 
of teni])erance and identified himself with the Prohihitimi partw 

The motlier dieil at her Imme in hremont Ma\- 9, 1907. 

The family ci insisted of seven cliildren, i.me of whom. Arthtu". died when 
(|uite \-i luny. One daugliter. Emma, hecame the wife of Charles A. Mills, of 
ALay\'ille. .\uother. Hattie. was married to a Mr. Cod_\'. of Ontario. A third 
(laughter. .Mice, was married tu Mr. Julm Paul, imw residing at Caro. Walter 
E. resides at the nld home, lu'uest E. is the jiresent su])erintendent nf sclnmls 
at Plainwell. Michigan. 

iMr. Cmh's hiiyhdiid da_\'s were spent nn the farm. His industrious 
habits, coupled with a firm fnundatiun of moral and religious culture. 
prei)ared him fur the jirnhlems of life that were to cniifnint him. ( )f course 
the demands of the farm came first, hut such \\'as his ambition to get a broad 
education that he willingly walked the two miles to the \illage high school. 
com])leting the course in due time. He then liegan teaching, .\fter having 
taught one }'ear in the districts he was elected princi]ial of the Fostoria 
schools in the southeastern ])art of Tuscola county. His next change was to 
Laingsljurg. and in iSijS he entered .\lbion College, having also rendered 
serx'ice as a member of the count}' board of examiners in Shiawassee count}'. 
.\t the college he took the scientific course, specializing in biolog}'. He be- 
came laborator}' .assistant to I'rofessor Barr of this department. He gradu- 
ated with the class of i(;oi. taking the degree of bachelor of science. .\t the 
time of his graduation he was elected to deli\er the address to the under- 
graduates. ])erl"orniing his task with credit to himself and honor to his class. 

He was not contented, howex'er. to sto]) here, llis innate lo\e for his 
work and his consciousness of the \alue of a broad and liberal ei|uipmcnt. 



32 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

led him to continue work at the State University, and he received there the 
degree of ]\I. S. in 1902. Tlie following autumn he became high sclmol prin- 
cipal at Flint. Here his work was thoniugh. scholarly, and highl}' successful, 
antl he soon w()n the confidence of all. \\ hen the superintendency became 
vacant he was chosen to fill the place, and during his term of service in that 
capacity, he has demonstrated his eminent fitness for the work. He has taken 
a stand for good preparation and equipment on the part (.)f the teacher, and 
insists upon a thorough and rational methml in the school work. As fast 
as possible he is endeavoring to equip the schools with the ])est modern ap- 
paratus, supplementary material, and sanitary impro\-ements. The high school 
is fast taking its place as one of the best in the state. 

]Mr. Cody is quite an energetic institute worker, and has a high pro- 
fessional spirit, being a member of the Xati(jnal Educational Asscciatiim and 
of the state and local associations as well. 

He was married in June, 1893, to Miss Bertha ^^'atters, of, Mayville, 
daughter of Whitfield and Mary E. ^^'atters. She is a native of New Jersey, 
is a high school graduate, and has shared with her husliand in the college 
work. Their home is blessed with one daughter, Elizabeth. They are par- 
ticipants in church work, and in many ways are contributing favorably to the 
general tone and high standing of the civic and social life of the community. 




REL'ISEX \-.\.\ ■Ill-l'IJX. 



Mr. Rcul)en \'aii Tirilin. late of l-'lint, was licini at Rush, ^lonroe county, 
New York, June J5, iS_>(). and died at Flint. Michigan. Jamiary 4, i()o6. 
His pai-ents were Peter and Hannah 1 .Mien) \'an Tiffliii. the former having 
been l)urn in Middlehurg, Holland, in 1790. coming from thence to Alliany. 
New York, with his parents, who later removed to the western part of the 
state. He was a farmer by occupation, and in 1S34 came to drand !'>lanc. 
Micliigan. with his faniih'. and began life here on the farm where one of the 
sons. Daxiil. now li\es. and where the father died, b'ebruary 27. iSijt. at the 
magnificent age of ninet\'-li\'e ^■ears. The mother, llannah. died on the s.ame 
farm March 18. 1S71. Slie was a nati\'e of East Ham])ton, Connecticut, where 
she was born June J2, 180T. lieing the daugliter of William and Esther ( (iolt j 
Allen. 

Ten children were born of this union, nine of whom reached maturity, 
and of these, twn are still sm'\i\ing. The otlier sons were Henry, a t'.armer. 
who dieil ;it bcnton at the age of se\'ent_\'-eight : \\ illiam, a farmer also, died 
at benton at the age of seventv-six : Schuyler, ])orn in iS2<S. served through 
the war of the Rebellion and was made lieuten.ant of the Tenth Missouri 
\'olunteer Infantry. Tie died in the .\rmy Tlos])it;d at .\lem]:)bis, Tennessee, 
thna'ng the war, rmd is bma'ed in (ilenwciod Cemetcr\- ;it b lint : the next son in 



34 ElUGRAl'llICAL HISTORV 

the (irder (if Ijirtli was Reiil.ien, the suljject nf our sketcli : Robert, burn in 1X32. 
(lied at Flint in i-Sljc), at the age of si.\t_\'-se\-en ; he was a soldier in a ^Michigan 
Ca\alry Regiment. The daughters were Esther, burn in t8j2. who became 
the wife of Henr_\- H. Holland, of Mundy township, anil attained the age of 
sixt}"-se\en years; Alice, born in 1N30. became the wife of .\. I. Brainard and 
died on their farm near (irand RIanc. aged seventy-three: Delpbia died at 
the age (if eleven years. 

Reuben was eight }-ears old on coming to (ienesee county, and grew to 
maturity on the ])arental farm. After lea\-ing- the farm he came to IHint and 
learned the carjienter's trade, and later spent al)out two years at Detroit. On 
returning to Flint he became a contractor and built the present high school 
building in 1873. Fie also l)ttilt the Cit}- Hall and the Ladies' Library building. 
For more than twent\'-five years be had the super\'ision oi the l)uilding of 
the school for the deaf. He became the owner of a fine, large farm in R.ur- 
ton township, upon which, howe\er, he ne\er li\ed. He was a l(J^'al and acti\'e 
as well as energetic citizen, but ne\er aspired to hold pul)lic office, preferring 
rather to gi\e all his attention to his business interests. He was an alert 
citizen and took (|iute an interest in the afiairs of the cit}'. He took steps to 
secure the charter to make I'lint a cit}'. and circulated the ]ietition for the 
same. In the latter part of his life he affiliated with the Democratic ])art}'. 
He was a member of the Episcoiial church, haxing ser\'ed as vestryman for 
sex'eral ^'ears. He was married ^Lirch i(j. 1855. in the old St. Paul's clnu'ch 
t(j Sarah Simpson, ^'oungest of five sisters, of Scotch ancestry, she lieiiig the 
daughter of Alexander and },Iargaret Simpson. Sarah Simpson \vas born at 
Caledonia. Xew York. She proxed an efficient and worth}' helpmeet to her 
liusband through all the }'ears (_)f his Inis}' and successful career. The fi\'e 
Simpson sisters married and resitled in b'lint. All were jiioneer settlers. 
Ruben selected the timber that was used in the construction of the school 
for the deaf over fifty years ago. At that time the entire fourth ward was a 
pine forest. 




^^^/2^X4/iA^ 



BlOCRAl'lJlLAL IllSlURV 35 

GEORGE ^r. DI'WEV. 

This s'eiitleinan was Imin in Canandaigiia, Xew \'<)i"k. January i, 1817. 
llis fallier. I'".l)enczer B. I)c\\c\. was from l-ioyalton. X'ermont, whitlicr they 
relunu'd in i8jj. Tlic father then 1)ecanie pmprietor of a stag;e hne of some 
tln-cc hnndred miles l)et\\een Alliany. \e\\ ^'o^k, and Mimireal, Canada. In 
1848 he settled on a farm in All. .Morris township. ( icnesee county, Miehig'an, 
and there s])ent the remainder of his da\'>. lie lixed to he ninety-four years 
old. The mother of (ieort;e .\l. was Harriet .Meeker, a native of Huhhard- 
ton. \'ermont. She \\ as taken away at the :ige of thirt_\'-si.\, Geor<4-e then 
lieins^' hut eighteen \'ears of a,^e. The father married for his secon<l wife 
Sarah Gilhert, who died just six months heforc her hushand. at the age of 
eighl\'-nine. Gc(n"ge ]M. was the oldest of the family, and was educated at 
the .\cademy of Royalton. \'ermont. .\t the age of sixteen he hccame clerk 
in his father's stage office, and remained there uiUil i8j;0, when he decicled 
to go to Missom'i. hut on reaching Detroit, in 1837, he was persuaded liy 
friends to remain in Michigan. .Vnd, going hy stage, to Cornnna, he walked 
from thence to Idint. where he found a sawiuill. two groceries and a few log- 
houses. In the fall of i8_^8 he estahlished a mercantile house, soon ha\'ing 
an extensi\e trade with the Indians, who accorded him the honor df heing 
named .\-wan-a-ga-gu-zcek. W ithin three years he hegan to huy land, at 
which he continued until he owned l)etween 60,000 and 75,000 acres, for 
luiicli of which he paid hut liftv cents per acre. In 1848 he was made receiver 
for the local laud office for the go\-ernment, which office was retained four 
\'ears. his hoiid heing Si^o.ooo. In 1845 he hecaiue a hreeder of shee]). and 
soon introduced the lirst merino fiMui X'eriuont. January 1, 1857. he hecame 
organizer for the I'dint. 1 'ere Aiarquettc railroad, and after the exerci.se of 
great energy and jiersistence ohtained a franchise, lie jiaid for the survey, 
hought the right-of-w a\' to .Saginaw, and let contracts for hmlding the ro.ad. 
of which he was ])resideut until 1861. It was onK' through his shrewdness 
and detertninatiou that Idint secured the road, the original idea of many of 
his associates heing to ha\-e the line follow another route. In 183(1 Mr. 
Dewey erected the .-\.-wan-a-ga hlock. which still stands as a moiuimenl to his 
foresight and husiness sagacity. It re(|nired a clear luiud and great force of 
character to erect so e-xpen->i\e and suhstantial a lursiness Mock at a time when 
the future of IdiiU was in the halance. hut it was such enterprise and dis|)lay 



36 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

of faith that sodii induced others tn fullnw his example, making assurance 
douhly sure, and laying- a solid fountlation for the future progressive city, 
where men now are hailed as benefactors who deign to erect pretentious blocks 
when conditions are past the experimental stage and rentals are guaranteed. 
He was one of the citizens whose efforts resulted in a charter for the city of 
I'dint, and served on the first board of aldermen. His marriage, June i, 1848, 
to Miss Ellen Cummings. youngest daughter of Judge Simeon Cunimings. 
served to establish what for sixtv vears has prox'ed one of the most pnjiular 
homes in Flint. All the forty-three years of their companionship was passed 
in the Dewev homestead on (iarland street, which he had erected in iS^b. it 
being the third residence built on that miw most popular residence thorough- 
fare. There he delighted to extend un(|uestioned hospitality to his many 
friends, its parlors often resounding with the mirth and repartee for which his 
character was so well suited; and there on the 21st of Decemljer, i8()i, the 
spirit of this most genial and accomplished man passed to its reward. I-'nr 
forty-six years he was vestryman in St. Paul's Episcopal church, and was 
the last survivor of the original nineteen enthusiastic young men and women 
who organized the church. ]\Ir. Dewey was a Whig, becoming a Republican 
upon the tirganization of that party at Jackson, "Under the Oaks," in 1854, and 
for several ^•ears was a member of the state central committee. 

]Mrs. Dewey was born at Batavia, New York, and after her father's 
death came with her mother to Flint. The other members of the family 
consisted of three sons and four daughters. A lirief reference to the career 
of some of these children may not be without interest. Thomas R. Oum- 
mings, born at Batavia in 1814, was private secretary to Governor Barry, first 
governor of ^Michigan. He was deputy secretar\' of state under Governor 
Ransoiu, mid helped to lav the carpets for the new capitol building. In 1847 
and 1848 he was county clerk of Genesee county. He died in the sanitarium 
at Otter Lake, ha\'ing been an iinalid for three vears. He was considered a high 
authority on the early history of Detroit and the surrounding towns. George 
Cummings was an able attorney of Flint and died there at the age of fifty 
years. Simeon Bradford Cummings died in Mint on May 3, 1906. He served 
in the Ci\i] war under the standard of the Second Michigan Regiment. One 
of his sisters. Elizabeth, remained unmarried and attained the age of ninety- 
three }'ears, having made her home with her sister, ]Mrs. Dewe\'. .\nother 
sister, 01i\-e, married Elias \\'illiams. She died at ^laple Rapids at the age 



(.iEXi'.si'.i': C()L■.\■'^^■. MniiKiAX. 37 

of eighty years. Harriet was married in S. A. reni^ra, wlm was connected 
with the New York & Erie railroad at Rochester. /Vfter lier husband's death 
in Mint she went to Portland, Oregon, in 1903, and died at the age of eighty- 
two. The mother's maiden name was I'anny Bradfi>rd. She lived in Flint 
until her death at llic age of eight_\-six, a wuman uiii\ersally IuxxhI, and one 
that was acknowledged tn Ije a (|ueen in the realm ul" Ik ime life. 




ALEXANDER ^IcFARLAX. 



Tlie city of I'^lint is characterized not mily Ijy its commercial enterprise 
and pnsh, and 1)}- its admiraljle ci\ic sjjirit, but also ])y the good taste evinced 
in tlie st\le and arrangement of its residences. One cif the best examples of 
the hiinies of this character is the McF'arlan lirmiestead on North (/iarland 
a\-enne, occupied liy the McFarlans. 

Alexander AIcEarlan was liorn in Elint October 30, 1852, and with his 
sisters. Mrs. R. W'haley and ^^Irs. Anna Rarks, of New York, are the only 
sur\i\-()rs of his father's family. His life lias been spent in the city of Flint, 
with whose growth and development he has been most intimately associated. 
He was connected with his father in his business enterprises, wdiich consisted 
of extensive farming interests as well as business \entures in the cit_\- itself. 
Since his father's death Alexander has carried on the supervision of the farm 
work, and has lieen al)undantly able to take care of the many details that have 
'e\-ol\-cd u.])on him. 

While ])usily engaged with his personal affairs Air. AIcEarlan lias been 
lulh' ali\-e to his duties as a citizen, and his fellow townsmen ha\e not l.ieen 
slow to recognize liis \'alue as a pulilic man and to make use of him in a ]iublic 
capacitv. He is a ilirector of the Citizens' Bank of Pdint. and has contributed 
much toward its conser\-ati\-e policy. He was alderman also from his ward. 



GEXESEE COl'X r^•. AIKllK.AX. 39 

and in tliat capaciU' cnnserxed the city's interests by his jmhcinus \-ie\vs on 
(|uestious vital to tlie municipal jiolicv ^f ihc tnwn. 

.\t the age of twenty-seven Mr. Alcl'arlan was married tu Miss Margaret 
r'hillipson. who was horn in ( ienesee county, being- the daughter of one of 
the hig'hlv resjiected residents nf the ci>iinty. Tlieir nnidU has resulted in 
the birth o\ two daughters, one ot" whom is still at the parental iKiUicstead. 
The other, Eouise, is the wife of |ohn W . \ck1e\-. of .\ew ^ ork citw 




FRAXK I.. WELLS. 



^fr. [''rank Wells, tlie present aljle chief uf police of. Flint, has lieen con- 
nected with that department of the city's affairs for many years. He was 
horn in f'lrand Blanc township. Genesee count\". Alarch 13. 1S57. His parents 
were Theodore J. and Demaris ( Ingersoll ) Wells, the former being a native 
of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York, their marriage taking place in 
Lapeer county, ^Michigan. .Theodore Wells followed the harness marker's 
trade, first in Grand Blanc township, later going to Lapeer county. His 
wlie died when Frank L. was about five years old, and he was placed under 
the care of his grandparents. Theodore later came io Flint and went into the 
harness manufacturing business, continuing therein for many years. He 
])rovost marshal, helping- to conduct drafting, etc. He was made deputy 
pro\'ost marshal, helping to conduct a drafting, etc. He was made deputy 
sheriff' uniler ?^[cCall. His father, Lewis Wells, was for many years a dairy- 
man, occujjving a farm two miles south of I'dint, and was one of the pioneers in 
that business, continuing at that until within ten years of his death at the 
age of sevent)"-four. His wife was Sarah Lmig, the aunt of the late Judge 
Long, of the supreme bench. One daughter of Lewis and Sarah A\"ells, Edna, 
is still li\'ing, the wife of Theodore L. Tupper, of Flint. 

Our suliject, Frank, remained with his grandparents from the age of fi\-e 



(;kxi-:si-:I'; coi'x ^^•. miciik.ax. 41 

until sixteen and l)ecaine an expert dairyliand. lieinj:;- unexcelled as a milker. 
He grew up a rugged and liusky Ijoy. attending school in the districts, and 
later coming to the city schools of Flint. lie was a steady student, well liked 
hy his companions and teachers. ac(|uiring a good reputation as a lad of cour- 
age and a lover ol fair ])lay. At sixteen he went to working out hy the ninuth. 
Continuing so until liis marriage at the age of t\\ent\-iine to .Miss Josephine 
[•"owler. daughter of Hannah I'cwler, widowed, living in l-lint township. His 
grandparents came to hdint at this time, and h'rank rented the farm, remain- 
ing there two A-ears. after wliich he remo\ ed to a fai'in in Oakland county, 
ilere he continued tor two years longer, ;it the expiration of which time he 
came to Flint, and for the next three x'ears was attached to the ])olice force 
of the cit\-. He then liecame eii,ga,ged in the hack husiness and followed t'.iat 
\-ocation for six years, hecomiug tin nughly familiar with the cit_\'s life in its 
\'aried and manifold phases, i le then rettniied to the police force, and for the 
last twelve years has retained his connection with that clejiartment. His 
services began as patrolman, hut later he was made assistant chief, holding this 
])osition for two years. In 1900 he was made chief of the department and has 
continued in that capacit)' since. When he first came on the force twenty- 
one years a.go there were hut two patrojnian employed and one marshal. Xow 
the force consists of nine men ]le^ides the chief and constahul.'irw 

He is recognized as a fearless and conscientious officer and one in whom 
the people ha\-e implicit confidence, .\lthough a l<ei)uhlican he was first a])- 
pointed Ijy a Democratic mayor, and ha^ heen retained hv the present incum- 
bent of that office, which fact is a stmng testimonial to the efficienc\' and fit- 
ness of the chief. 

His family of two children is made uj) of Hewis T.. R. V. 1). carrier, of 
Mint, and Lettie May. wife of (jeorge Joiyce. il_\e u orker of Owasso. 

.Mr. Wells is a metnber of the Masonic fraternity and of the Lodge of 
Elks. 




JAMIlS HENDERSON. 

James Heiiderscjii. late of IHint. was Imni in Li\ingstiin cnunt}-. New 
Yi>rk, Jamiar\- _'<), 1812. He was the sun of ( ieorge and Jane ( Mc(.rreg\ir ) 
Henderson, wlm were Imtli nf foreign 1)irth. the former Ijeing a natixe of 
northern Ireland, and the latter of Scotland. They came to America in early 
life and were married in this coiintr\-, de\oting their da}s to farming, chietl_\' 
in the state where James was horn. James' hmhood days were spent on the 
farm, and here he dexeloped the strong constitution and independent s])irit 
which characterized his after life. His education was such as \\as afforded 
l.)V the district schools of the neighliorhood, hut hefore reaching maturit}' he 
left the parental roof and started to do Ijattle for himself. He entered into em- 
l)lo\inent at a ])aper mill in one of the nearl)\- towns and was engagecl here 
for se\'eral \ears. picking u]) man\' \aluahle ideas along the line of Ijirsmess 
methods. He then came to I'lint, Michigan, this lieing in 1S40. and entered 
into ]iartnership with his hrolher, Henrw u\ the dr\- g(}ods husiness and con- 
tinued at this for four or fixe vears, at which time the partnership was dis- 
solved, each taking a share of stock and starting in husiness for him- 
self, lames continued as a merchant until his death in 18^)3. He was a 
man of sonnd ideas and of ahsolute integrity, inspiring a confidence and 
respect on the part of his patrons and associates. Sttch a course is hound 



GEXESEE COUXTN'. MKIIK.AX. 43 

1(1 lirinji" success, ami the jii'i ispci'ity and sulistantial prugress of his af- 
fairs bnre witness {n ilie splendid s|)iril pervading the establishment. As an 
illustration in point, mention ma_\- be made of the fact that many of his f(jrmer 
friends ]ireferred to dejiosit their sur])lus funds with .\lr. Henderson rather 
than place them in the Incal banks. 

In i)olitics he was a prdiinunced Republican, but ne\-er sought public 
office. He stood for clean political methods and official integrity. In faith he 
was a Presbyterian and was a faithful and efficient worker in the church, 
holding many impnrtant i)laces of trust in the local society. His religious 
life made itself felt in the formative inlluences of the trnvn, and his gifts to 
charities and kindred interests were means nf stimulating the splendid 
spirit oi altruism, which is one of the distinguishing marks of the cit\'s life 
today. 

He was one of the ])romoters of the ( ilenwood Cemetery and assisted in 
laying out the plat. His ])atriotic spirit showed itself in many way>. .\t the 
breaking i)ul of the C'i\il war he promised all his clerks that wished to enlist 
that they sht_)ulil have their a])])ointments reserved for them on his list of em- 
ployees if they wished to work for liim again upon their return from the war. 

He was married in 1S4J to .Miss Mercy Hill, who was born in Xew ^'ol■k 
state in 1819. She was the daughter of Daniel and Lucy ( I'ary ) Hill, whose 
liyes were spent within that state. Mrs. Henderson departed this life in 
1897. Slis ^^''is 'I woman of profoniid Christian character, a member of the 
Presbyterian faith, and one that won and retained many warm and appre- 
ciative friends. 

This union resulted in the birth of ten children, whose names are here 
ap]iended in the order of their Ijirth : Horace and Clarence, now deceased: 
Harriet, wife of Morris A. Knight, a merchant^of Flint; Chester, deceased; 
Alice and Albert, twins, both ihing in infancy; James, haying his home in 
Chicago: Henry, lixing in I'lint; 1 -ester IT., in the insurance and loan busi- 
ness in hdiiit : and Helen Louise, wife of Lewis B. Lee, of Oak- Park. Illinois. 
Thus the s])lendid heritage of children but added luster to an already well- 
rounded and praise-worth\' ix'cord. 



44 BIOGRAI'HICAL HISTORY 

C. A. LIPPIXCOTT. 

Rev. Charles Augustus Lippincott. the al)le and well-knuwn pastor of the 
First Presbyterian clnirch of Fhnt. was Ijurn Juh' 30, iX()5. at Piedmont, 
West Virginia. His father was Ebenezer \\Ond Lippincott. His mother's 
maiden name was Annalielle \\ eir. 'l"he_\' were peiiple of high itleals. and 
were strong supporters of popular education. Charles was gi\en as l)road an 
education as circumstances would permit, and made the most of the pri\'ileges 
that came to him. \\'hile in attendance at the \\"ashington and Jefferson Col- 
lege in 1887 he a])plicil himself industriously to his studies and laid a founda- 
tion for a In'cjader scholarship, and also for a self-reliant and aggressive career. 
He graduated from this institution with honors in 1887. 

Having decided upon his lifework he began his preparations by taking the 
theological course in Princeton, following this with similar work in Union 
and ?\IcCormick seminaries, graduating from the latter institution in 1890. 

Pie was now full\- prepared to enter u])on his life's W(.)rk and answered to 
the call to come to the First Presbyterian church, of Joliet, Illinois, this occur- 
ring in 1890. Here his laliors were eminently successful and satisfactory, his 
genial disposition and untiring industr\' resulting in great profit to himself as 
well as those to win 'Ui he ministered. After fi\e years of ser\-ice in that field he 
accepted the in\itation to become associate pastor of the Second Presliyterian 
church of Chicago, and his abilitv and worth soon received recognition. Four 
years after entering this field he became acting pastor of the same church,, 
this honor coming to him without solicitation on his part. It was simply a 
testimonial to the strong endorsement of the man liy the people of the church. 
In 1901 he became the pastor of his present congregation and has royally ful- 
filled the expectations of his church. 

In the year 1 906-1 907 he was moderator oi the S_\'n(^d of ^Michigan, ful- 
filling his duties with his usual integrity and dispatch. Socially, also, he has 
made his impressions, being ma<le ])relate of the (irand Commandery, Knights 
Templar, of JNIichigan. -\t the present time he is president of the board of 
hospital managers of the city of Flint. He is also a member of the Chicago 
Literary Club, and in these \-arious ways he has participated in the life and 
spirit of the community. 

On October 8, 1890, he was iniited in marriage to Anna ]\I. Irwin, of 
Clarkslnu'g, A\'est A'irginia. and their married life has been a continued period 



GEX1-:SKE COL'XTV, M K I I K ,.\.\. 45 

of (l(jiiicstic felicit\' and licautiful Ikiiih' lite. MiL-ir faiiiil_\- consists of seven 
cliildi'en. as follows: jolm Irwin, Annaliclle. Sarah. Mar^'aret. Elsie. Harlow, 
lliginbotham anil Mary I'aterson. 

"And he shall he like a tree, planted hy the ri\'ers of water, that bringeth 
forth hi- fruit in his season: his leaf. also, shall not wither and whatsoever 
he doeth shall iirosper." — I'salm T :_^. 




TOHN L. TEXNIXGS. 



The ancestdt's nf John L. Jennings \\ere nati\'es i)f the east, his father, 
AI)i-aiii AI. Jennin.i;s, ha\-ing c ime from Xew Jersey, and his ninther, Emily 
( La}-t(:in ) Jennings, ha\ing l)een burn in Xew ^'nrk state. Tliey \vere early 
settlers of Shiawassee cijiint\', Alichigan. cuniing hither in about 1833 and set- 
tling upijn a tract of goxernment land. ^Nlr. Abram Jennings was a brick- 
maker I)}- trade, but also fullnweil farming. lie manufactured the jjrick out 
of which was liuilt the house that belongs to James Van Akin, near Vernon. 
Shiawassee county. He died in Michigan in 1X47. when fnrty-three years old, 
while Mrs. Jennings, mother of nur subject, died at the hitter's home in Mundy 
tdwnship when sevent}--si-\ years of age. Although her da)s were prolonged 
to a ripe old age, \et for the last tift\" vears cif her life she was not per- 
mitted to see the light of daw ha\ing becnuie afllicted with total lilindness. 
^'et, though the temporal skies were darkened, her spiritual \-ision remained 
clear and peaceful to the end. Their family of se\en children consisted of the 
folliiwing: HenrA' M.. Sarah A.. Susanah. Amanda. Hiram, Daniel and 
John T.., the subiect uf this sketch, who was burn in \'enice, Shiawassee cnunty. 
Michigan, April i, 1842. He spent his boyhood life <:)n his father's farm in 
Shiawassee county up to the age of sixteen }'ears. He was a li\-e]}-, energetic 
bo\-. (|uick to learn, and of studious hal)its. At this time he came to Genesee 



(iK.\i':s!-:i'. I'oiwi ■^■. MKiiKi.w. 47 

Cdunty and wurked nut ;it farm lahnr. applyiuL;- liinisclf (lili,L;ciitly td liis work, 
anil fiinnini;' a reliable helper at his chnscn (iccupalicm. lie attended school 
durin.t;- the winter nmntlis, seizinj;' every a\-ailahle advanta^'e for stud\- and 
self-ini])ro\ enient. 

lie pi issessed considerahlc husiness fcn'esi.tjhi an<l had a I'easdiiahle share 
of lauilahle anihition. Tie purchased t'ort_\- acres of land in section <) nf .Mund\- 
township. This land was for the most part uniniprn\ed, hut he set tn work 
and applied himself without stint, and as a result he soou had the tract of 
land under a his^ii state of cultixation, possessing' excellent huildiuj^s. With 
the ad\ance ot time he was enabled to make ad<litions ti' his first ])urchase 
until he had one hundred and twenlv acres of hue land under his control. He 
continued to live on his farm in Mundy township until igoj, when he removed 
to J-"lint. where he has since reside.l and enjoyed a well earned retirement. 

He was married in .Mniid\ township ou .\pril id. i<S62. to Miss Harriet 
E. Dibble, who was a nati\e of the township. She was the clau.g'hter of 
Samuel and Julia ( Hill i nibble, who were anioui^' the ]iioneer settlers of the 
township, where the\- both ended their days. 

-Mr. and .Mrs. Jenninj.;s are the |)arents of three li\inj;' children — lulia 1).. 
Henry M.. and I-.mma j. Another son born to them, but now deceased, was 
John D.. who died in his nineteenth _\'ear. lie met an untimeK' fate, lie died 
from injuries recei\ed while working' at a threshing machine, his arm having" 
been caught in the cylinder w;is mangled froui the bodv at the shoulder, re- 
sulting in his death. 

.\lr. Jennings was superx'isor of .Mundy townshi]) for nine consecutix'e 
years, and has also served as township treasurer, school officer, highwav 
commissioner, etc. Tn all of these duties he has conducted the business in a 
straightforward and economic mrmner. He affiliates with the T^e])u1)Iicaii 
]iarty. but is first of all an liouest and l)road-minde(l citizen. 



48 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

EXOS D. PIER SOX. 

Mr. luios D. r^ierson, a snii of C. C. Pierson, wlii:)se sketch also appears 
in this \olume. was horn in Cirand Blanc township. Genesee county, Michigan. 
December 28, 1854. The details concerning the immediate ancestry are given 
in the article referred to. Enos D. spent the earl\" years nf his life with his 
parents on the farm in (irand Blanc township. He came «ith his parents 
to Flint, in 1864. and received his educati<.)n in the public schools of this 
citv. As a bov he was studious and conscientiinis in his work. His standing 
in his class was uniformly good, and he also took a hearty interest in the sports 
and outdoor activities of the schools. .\s his period of school time drew 
near its close, he became conscious of a strong desire to go on and broaden 
and amplifv his educational ijualitications. Finally the plan of taking up 
higher education matured itself in his mind, and in 1871 we tind him present- 
ing himself at the door of the State l'ni\ersity of Michigan. He matriculated 
for the literary course, and here he made the most of the ad\-antages af- 
forded by the institution. As a student he was upright, industrious and a 
scholar of no mean aliility. He won the contiilence of his instructors and the 
high esteem i:)f his fellow students, and graduated with honors, taking the 
degree of Ph. D. 

Following this he returned from l-dint, and in the autumn of the same vear 
he became engaged in the produce lousiness with his father, under the name 
of C. C. Pierson & Son. He \n\t intu practice in business the same principles 
that had been his guide as a student and pupil, and met with deserved success. 
\\'ith this prosperity the unvarnished respect of business associates soon 
became his. This association continued until his father's death in 1904. after 
which he ga\e the major jiart nf his time to farming, still maintaining a partial 
iiUerest in the business as well. 

He was married in Flint August 25. 1890. to Miss Jennie Kendall, who 
was the daughter of Jerome B. and Charlotte ( Abbott) Kendall, both natives 
of Xew York state. The}' came to Genesee countw Michigan, in 1854. and 
lix'ed in various places at different times. Iiut spent the greater i)art uf their time 
in Flint after leaving" Thetford township. Here Mrs. Kendall died at the age 
of fort}-four years. 'Slv. Kendall reached the maximum of years accorded 
by the Scriptures, having attained the age of four score. Eight children were 
born to them, of whom ]\Irs. Piersiin was the fifth. The parents were ex- 



GEXESKK COrXTV, >[KI 1 1( i.W. 



49 



cin])I;ir\' in their lives and instilled into the minds ni their children correct 
and nprig'ht ideas of tlieir duties and relations to their tellownien. 

Mr. and Mrs. I'icrsoii ha\c one li\in.i;' dau^luer. Rhoda .\. Tliev hnried 
one son. Charles 11.. who ilicd in infancx'. They are acti\'e workers in the 
liaptist church of I'lint. many offices ul which Mr. I'ierson has willingly and 
acceptably lilled. 




OKSOX .MIl.l.AUl), M. 1). 



Orsun IMillard. ime of the nldest jjractitioners <it Mint, was l)nrn on the 
27th (lay (jf Oct()l)er, 1845. in tlie town of L'tica, Alaconih cnuntx". Alichit^an. 
His parents ni(i\-e(l tn (Oakland cnuntx when he was (juite \'uuny" and from 
tiiere he came tn I'hnt in iS()6. 

])r. Millard t^radnated fioni the I'nixersitv of Michigan in 1S70 and 
fetnrned directh' tn hlint. where he commenced the practice of medicine. He 
was snr^eon of the I'mt Huron & l.ake Miclii,L;"an raihvax' in 1S72-3-4. This 
road later was merged into the ( Irand Trunk sxsteni, i>f \\ Inch he was surgeon 
for several years. Dr. Mdlard was ap])i>inted ph\sician ni charge for the 
Michigan state schmil f(ir the i\c:i\. which positinn he held f<ir some years. He 
was also president of the Imard <<{ L'nited States pensimi examining" siu'geons 
for (lenesee county fur fi ur years. 

The ^Michigan L"ni\ersit\' Medical Jnurnal. XHlume _'. januarw 1872. 
edited ]>y r,eorge E. l^'rothingham. M. 1).. gives an account of a case treated 
hv Dr. O. Millard, which attracted much attentinn anidug medical men at 
that time, and in the C}-clopetha nf the T'ractice of Medicine, edited ])y Dr. H. 
Von Feinssen, of Munich, Bax'aria. iC>th \(ilume. page 1006, will he found the 
author's nientimi of the same. The doctor alsn received faxorahle notice in 
the Chenniker Zeitung. pnhlished at Cnthen. I'laissia. Other articles from Dr. 



(IKXI-ISI^F. C'OrX'I'V, MICIIKIAN. 51 

Millard's ])i-ii. ]>ul)]i>liccl in the iiK-ilical journals. lia\L' atlractcil much atteiUiun 
tniin tlio nicilical fraternity ni lidtli cnntinents. 

I )r. Millard was une i)t the (irif^inal I'nunders and inc irpuralurs in 1895 
iif the Kni.i^hts nf the Ijiyal ( iuard (now Loyal (iuard) and was the first su- 
preme medical examiner uf tiie order. I le has held the position continuously 
since, lie was president this year of the medical section of the National l*'ra- 
ternal Congress, which ort;anization represents over six million members. 
l'"or lourteen )ears he \\as chairman of the hoard of amlitors of the Michigan 
^ faecal )ees. 

In the spring' <if 1905 Or. Millard was tmaninioush- nominated 1)\' the 
Democratic state con\-ention of Michigan for regent of the .Michigan .'^tate 
L'ni\-ersity. His father was a cousin of Millard l'"illmore, the thirteenth 
President of the I'nited States, and the doctor has in his possession as a treas- 
in-eil heirlo, ,ni the IJihle helonging to the I'residenl's grandfather. 

Dr. Millard was married in 187J to .Miss Sarah .\. Gardner, daughter of 
l\e\-. Thomas C. Gardner. D. D. The}- haxe twn chililren. Doctor and I\Irs. 
Millard ha\e li\-ed continuoush- in their home for more than thirt_\-li\'e years. 
Their daughter is the wife of .Mi'. Andrew J. lUickham. of I'dint. and the son, 
T. C. Millard, is the sole owner of the huss Kemed}' t'onipany. luanufacturer 
of the I'liss rheumatic cure. 




C. H. W. COXOVER. 



Charles H. W". Cunover, of Flint. .Michigan, was Ijurn in ]\h>nmMUth 
county, Xew Jerse)', on the site of the battle of Monmouth, July 31, 1840. 
'His great-grand father, Louis Ko\-enhoven, was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war, and was in active service at the liattle of Monmouth, ami reconls show 
that he rendered distingtiished service to General ^^'ashington throughout the 
war. There are many Conovers in that part of the state of Xew Jersey. 
and the famil}- name is one of the oldest and most distinguished in that section 
of the state. The name, Kovenhi_n-en, is the forerunner of the name of Con- 
over and is traceable to Dutch origin. 

Charles enlisted in the regular United States service in 1861. He was 
with McClellan in his famous campaign, and toi,)k i)art in many of the ex- 
citing experiences incident to the war. He assisted in the destruction of York- 
town and helped blow up the bridge at Savige station. He was confined to 
the hos])ital for a period and later contracted malaria fever while in the 
vicinit}- of the Chickahominy. His health was so impaired that complete re- 
covery never fully returned to him. After the close of the war he spent two 
years in Xew York citv and later became engaged in the oil business in 
Ontario, folkiwing this for a wliile. In 1867 he came to Flint, having heard 
of it as a place of growth and enterprise. It was then on the "boom" and Gov- 



(ii:.\ESEE COL'.X TN'. M 111 1 K .AX. 53 

enior Crape > Iiad just l)uilt Iiis larjje sawmill. Mr. Conover bnught an inter- 
est in the planinji mill, the lirm being Beardslee, GiUies & Com])any, and contin- 
ned till 1S96, at which date the business was discontinued. 

Thus for twenty-nine years .Mr. ('(inii\er had given his attention to the 
details of the wnrk. turning mit lumber, sash, doors, etc. The mills tiu'ued 
out a tremendous (|uantity of tiieir product, and .Mr. Conover"s mechanical and 
]iractical skill were invaluable to the business. He assumed charge of most 
<j| the im]iiirtant dei)artments of the work, which emplrn'ed from thirty to 
f"rt_\- men. 

Since i8g6 Mr. Con(j\cr has (i])erated with uther manufactiu'ers. in- 
cluding other interests. He has been an acti\'e participant in the city's growth 
and de\'elopment. He ser\-ed as alderman from the fifth ward, and was a 
member of the water works cummissicin when the water ])lant was pmx'hased, 
and, with others, measured the t\\ent\'-eight and a (juarter miles uf water 
mains. He has ser\'ed as super\'isor for his ward during 1906-07. 

Politicall}- a Kepulilican, his first stand is for clean and upright ofificial 
service. He is iK.it a political as|)irant. but takes a hand in the party's activi- 
ties, serving as delegate frecjuently to important ci inventions. His present neat 
and attractive residence was erected in nSjd. and stands toda\ a fa\oral)le 
illustration of its Iniilder's taste and discretion. 

He was n.iarried at ^lonmouth, Xew Jersey, to Miss Cordelia Vaughn, 
also a descendant nf a worthy line of ancestors. .\s a result of this union 
there were burn three daughters and une son, as fulluws; Charlotte, wife 
of Dr. C. H. IJailey. a <lentist of Detroit, and a graduate of the State L'niver- 
sity; Estella \'.. at home, and bookkeeper in the employ of Frank Algoe; 
Charles V.. a graduate, also, of the State L'niversity, and now a civil engi- 
neer located at Washington : and one daughter. Frances, \\ho died in childhood. 

Air. Coni)\er is an enthusiastic member of tlie (irand .\rmv of the Rei)ub- 
lic, of course, and also of the National League, and has often visited manv of 
his old conn^ades. He is a member of the Congregational church, in which he 
has been a deacon for many years. He rendered much ])ractical help in the build- 
ing of the new Congregational church, being a member of the building commit- 
tee. Thus ni a \aried and nianilold m;nnier he has contriliuted generouslv to 
the sum total of the city's j^rogress and de\elopnient. He was at one time a 
meml)er of the school board for three _\ears, and was treasurer two rears of 
the three. 




TOSET'IT r>RUSH FEXTOX. 



Joseph P.nisli T'entim. smi nf Colonel William .\1. l'"ent<jn, was born in 
Fenton. ?\lichi.L;an. June 2S. 1843. His l)oyliiio<l days from the age of five 
years were spent in Mint, lie was educated at the Casianonia Seminary of 
Casianonia. Xew ^'ork, and at the ^Mailison l'ni\"ersity of Hamilton, New 
York. He read law with his father, but, although lie accfuired considerable 
knowledge of the sul)ject, he ne\er asked for admission to the Ijar. 

When the Civil war was under wa_\' he enlisted in liis father's regiment, 
the Eighth Michigan, going in at its organization, being connected with 
Company G, and in due time was made f|n.iartermaster sergeant. Later he 
became second lieutenant, generally acting as aid to his father, who was in 
command of the di\ision. He was attached for a time to ( '.eneral Poe's staff, 
becoming first lieutenant, and continued to serve on staff duty throughout the 
war. He was severely W(.iun(led at Chantilly. \'irginia. and lay for nine 
weeks in the hospital at Washington, being ])Iaced in what later Ijecame the 
home of Mrs. Siu'ratt, 541 Eighth street, west, at which i)lace the conspiracy 
was formed for the assassination of Lincoln. During the war this Inn'lding was 
kept as a private boarding house liy a Mr. Trea<lway, from Pontiac, [Michigan. 
On reco\ering from his wnunds he rejoined the Eighth ^Michigan in the 
service and accompanied it in its wanderings. He saw much of the warfare 



(;i-:.\Esi':i-: c(^['STy. miciiicax. 



00 



ill Siiutli C ';iri ilina. w as ;it I'lirt l\n\:il, Hilton 1 Icail ami James Islaiul. ci iiiiiny 
later 111 \'ifL;iiiia. lie was Ik 'Mint;- the faiik of t'lrst lieuleiiaiU when ilischai's^'ed 
ffi ml the serx'ice, lieiii.i;' ilisahleil li\ inaiu' sei'ious wimnds. 

An extract fnmi a iiai)er called the L'aiii/^ KcNlr. jjulilislied al iieriiifort. 
Siiiitli C'ardlina, .\la\' i. iSdj, gi\es the fullnw iii<^' ct.iiiceniint^' Mr. l-'entun 
at the hattle i>f (.'haiitilly. \ irR-itiia : 

"( )tiarteiinaster-seri;eant |. I'>. hent^n, m m i>\ C'lilonel i''eniiin. and unly 
ahciiit ei,i;hteen \ears <if a,<;"c, was with the irnups in citizen's cluthes and seized 
it])iin the niusket and aminnnition nl' (nie <it' ilie slain, lie ileliheratelx' sputted 
his man and t'lred awa\' \ er\- C("il\-. hlnwini;- the snioke mit nl liis gun eacli 
time slie was discliarged In keep Iter cnnl. This is an old hunter's fashion and 
\-oung i'enton has reckoned iiiiite a niinrod among the game in the wilds ot 
Micliigati. We are told that he wditld sto]) his deer at one or two hundred 
paces e\er\- time he drew a head, and we ha\e no douht Init that 'secesli' tn- 
da\- nioui'iis the aim of the \onng hunter ii\- more than one stricken hearth." 

Returning to Mint alter the close of the war he entered into husiness 
with .\ir. t/aldwell. dealing in groceries and i|ueensware. lie then went 
west, and from ]i>(.j to iSdc; was in New .\le.\ico. .\fter his marriage he 
located at W ii'hita. Kaus.as. where he invested in city :mcl country ]iropert\. 
l)n\"ing It]) goxernment land in the Osage Indian area at v^i._'3 ])er acre. He 
made (|uite a success in his \entures. and lor a time operated a model stock 
ranch. In I Sjd he returned to I'dinl. 

The death of his father took ])lace in icSji. and in iS-(i Jose])h took 
charge of his share of the estate, including the ]irescnt h'enton liloclc. huilt in 
the '60s. This is a fout--stor\- structure and in it .Mr. l-'enton has ke])t his 
office all these vears. lie still has control (jf extensive i)ro])ert\' interests in 
the city, and also a line farm in .Mt. .Mofris township. .Mr. l-'enton. though 
iirst of all a jiatriot. is a 1 )emocrat, ami has served eflicieiitlv as a memlier of 
the state hoard of land commissioner^. Mr. I'enton had a hrother, Ilenrx' 
hentoii, an attoi-nec at Ha\ t'itw who died three \ears since. His life was al- 
most wholly spent there, heing engaged cliieth' in tlu' mercantile trade. Of 
the two sisters one. Sarah K.. died when still \oung. She was one of 
the most poi)ular young ladies of Mint, having recei\eil a broad education in 
the east. She had traveled extensixely in luimpe. The other sister, .\delaide. 
was married to Colonel W illiam 11. Mc(feer\. whose son. I'enton Mc(/i"eer\'. 
is the present minister and consul-general of the l)ominican repuhlic at the cit\' 



56 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

of Santo Domingo. He was secretar_\- nf the legaticjn at Santiago, Chili, under 
Minister Eagan. at the time his father was United States consul at \'alparaiso. 
Chili. He has seen much diplomatic service, being the first secretary of the 
embass}- at the Cit}- of ^lexico, his last appointment here being given out by 
President Roosevelt in 1906. 

Air. Fenton's wife was the only daughter of Artimus and Louise Thayer. 
Mr. Thayer was one of the most prominent builders in Flint, ha\-ing con- 
,structed such l)uildings as the Cr\-stal House and the Davton House; also the 
Briant block and Armor}- block. The latter structure was burned to the 
ground. Iiut liefore the coals had all died nut Mr. Tha\er had teams at work 
clearing a\va_\' the debris, and his energ_\" and push soon resulted in a new 
structure where the former one had stood. The Tha}ers came from Xew 
York state and were prominent in the social, industrial and educational life, 
having made a wide impression in both public and jn-ixate life. The son. 
Edward Thayer, was one of the ablest lawyers of Flint, standing high in his 
profession. He was married to Miss Inogine Stanlew who is nmv ]iro])rietor 
of the home of Americans in Paris. France. Edward is deceased. 

Mrs. Fenton is the only surxivor of the Thayer family, as Joseph B. 
Fenton is of the Fentons. Mrs. Fenton is an acti\'e worker in the Presby- 
terian church. The famih" is made u|) of three children and one adopted 
child. Mamie is the wife of James .Martin, assistant cashier of the (ienesee 
Countv Savings Bank. Mazie is the wife of ])r. Donald McCall, of IXIuskegon. 
Michigan. \'irginia is still at home. Louise is a graduate in the class of 
1907 of the Bradford Academw of Bradford, Massachusetts, the oldest female 
acadeni}- in the United States. 

Mr. b^nton has been a lover of the chase and has secured many trophies in 
his time. Among these are deer, moose, buffaloes, etc. He enjoys out-of-door 
life and spends many happ}- hours living close to the heart of nature. ' 




M. C. BARXKV. 



Much lit the growth. ])rogTess anil genei'al tune of the city of Fhnt is 
dii'ectly traceable to the energy anil push of some of its most progressive 
citizens. One of the men that falls w itliin this list is Marvin C. Barney, of the 
Barney Granite and Marble Works. He was l:)orn in .\tlas township. Genesee 
county. August 14. 1844. His father. Daniel D. Barne}-. and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Marietta (/ummings. came from tlie ""Empire state." 
Xew N'ork. to .Michigan in 183O and 1838, res])ecti\ely. His father fol- 
lowed contracting and building in ( ienesee county from 1836 to 1856. at 
which time he started a sash and blind factory at (loodrich. and operated this 
successfully until the coming on of what was called the "wildcat times." 
when liank notes or ])aper nionev could not be considered good over night, 
and in this period he was compelled to suspend business. He spent his last 
days in blint in a repair shop on Saginaw street. 

Marvin remained at home until se\'enteen years of age, and in October 
of 1 86 1 he enlisted in Company C of the Tenth Michigan Infantry, which was 
organised at hdint. They went to the front Ajiril 2J. ]S()2. and soon became 
actively engaged in the field. The\- were sent to .St. Louis. Missmn-i. then to 
Hamburg Landing. Kentuck\-. and soon Ijrought uj) at Corinth, wliere they 
were stationed at the time of its e\"acuation. I'ollowing this thev were sent 



58 r.TOCRAI'HlCAL HlSTOR^" 

into Alal);inia. aiitl INIr. Barney was detailed as one of the nine charged with the 
care of the regimental colors, having pre\iousl\- heen made corporal at Xash- 
ville. and was promoted to the rank of sergeant ere the war closed. Skirmishes 
and battles now followed in <pnck succession, friglitful contests closing" at 
nightfall on scenes of silent wretchedness. But this was war. He was in e\ery 
battle in which the regiment was engaged, viz.. thirty-six. (See l\[ichig"an in 
the War.) 

He was at Bentonville, Xorth Carolina, when siuTounded. had to about 
face and charge the enemy when they found themselves surrounded and helped 
save the day. One of their closest calls was at Buzzard's Roost when 1.700 
Federals faced 10.000 Confederates and were forced to retreat up the face of 
a niduntain a full half mile, with slun antl shell following everv step, camping 
for the night on the face of the mountain in full sight of the wounded and 
dying on the field tiiat was being consumed by fire which had started in the 
leaves. First here and then there the contest raged, sometimes in tumult, and 
other times in \ ictory. He was one of the man\- that went with Sherman 
irom "Atlanta to the sea." marched to \\'ashington. and took part in the 
"grand review." that impressive pageant consisting of 75,000 Union soldiers, 
including Shermans \eterans. of whom the stibject of oiu" sketch was one. 
and many times without fund, and always without shelter onlv as the\" erected 
their small pup tents. He was veteranized at Ross\ille. tieorgia. in the 
spring of 1864. after serving nearly tliree vears. for three vears longer, and 
was given a veterans furlough of thirty davs. 

After the close of the war Mr. Barne}' returned to his work in mill and 
factory at Saginaw, continuing at this for ilnee \ears. whereupon he came 
back to the farm in Brandon township. Here he remained uiUil 187c). At one 
time he sustained a severe loss in the destruction of house, barn and orchard 
at the hands of a friglitful cyclone, w hich came on May 25. 189O. at b o'clock 
p. m. and destroyed all buildings on twn hundred acres of land, an amount 
ecjualing $10,000. Nothing daunted, however, he immediatel\- set in to make 
good his loss, and e\entuall\" regained his tooting, and has made marked 
progress ever since. 

In politics Mr. Barney has tried to obev the dictates of his conscience, 
regardless of party lines. He has at different times been identified with either 
the Democratic or the Prohibition party, being the latter's candidate fre- 
cjuently for important offices, twice for mayor of 1-lint and once for sheriff 



(;i-:\i-:si-:R coixi '^■. MiciiKiAX. 59 

of Genesee cninty. each time running aliead of liis ticket, failing of election 
on account of the lack of ])art\- strength. Ijut running exce])tionally well, com- 
paratively speaking. 

He is a charter nieniher of the ( io\crnor Crap: i I'ost. (irand .\rm\- of 
the Repu1)lic. an<l has served twice in succession as its commander. He 
has attended sexeral of the national encam])ments. and has gi\en himself 
the ])leasure of \isiting man\- of the hattlehelds in the south at the points 
where he lonk personal ])art in the great struggle. These visits have af- 
forded him unlimited pleasure and satisfactiou. hut there also comes with 
it a melancholv strain when rcllecting on the spectacle of thousands of 
conu'ades who were laid to rest in untimely gra\es. He is now colonel of 
McKinlev Camp. National League of \'eterans and Sons, and ser\-ed as lieu- 
tenant-general at the head of the order in 1904. This order made the largest 
growth 111 us historx under his su])er\ision. 

.Mr. Harney is ;ds(] a loyal memher of the Independent Order of Odd 
I'ellows. ready at all times to disseminate the princi])les of hrotherhood and 
fraternity. 

He was married in iSoS to .Miss Xettie Eaton, of Jlrandon township, 
Oakland county, where later the disastrous \isit of the prexiously mentioned 
cyclone occurred. One of their daughters, Jessie, is the wife of William 
Burt, superintendent of the school for the deaf and dumh at Pittshurg, I'enn- 
slyvania. .\nother daughter. Mariou, is the wife of hrank W ildman. of 
1-lint. who is em]>]oyed in the Citizens' Commercial Bank. \'ernie is the 
chosen companion of William Hart, a contractor, also of J'lint. Daniel is the 
partner in the granite company, while C lark is an em])loyee at the same Ijusiness 
in Los .\ngeles. California. 

Their granite works are among the Ijest eipiijiped ])lants in the state. 
They carr\- a large stock of linished monuments and use pneumatic touls and 
all the latest improvements in machinery. 

Prohahly 'S\r. Barney will have a more lasting monument than marhle 
or granite in his nohle. self-sacrit'icing and tireless efft.irts to obtain a fitting 
memorial for ( ienesee county's J.51X Civil war soldiers, as well as the bovs 
of the Spanish-American war. Their names are to he carved in tablets, at 
great expense, and installed in the court house halls and roster, there to be a 
perpetual reminder of the noble sacrifices of the "boys in l)lue. " For his work 
in this connection, and also his efforts as a member of the relief commission 



6o BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

for eight vears, fur he went Jjefore the Ijoartl of supervisors of Genesee 
conntv and persuaded them to appropriate $1,500 instead of $500 to reheve 
tile wiirtliw there are ahxady erected mimuments in tlie hearts of his numerous 
friends. 

"Bring the good ohl l)Ugle. I)ii_\s, we'll sing another song. 

Sing it with a spirit that will roll the world along. 

Sing it as we used to sing it, sixty thousand strong. 

While we were marching through Georgia." 





AIR. AXI). MI^S. WILLIAM (". W( )L\'RKTnX. 



In I (JO I the Linden mills passed into the hands of William C. \\ lilvertun 
and James (jreen. nndei" the name of the Linden Milling;" I'ompany. One and 
one-half years later Mr. WUherton hecame the sole ])roprietor. The mill 
was entirel)' remodeled and e(|nippe(j with modern machinerw ha\in.^' a \)VO- 
diicing" capacity equal to the demands hoth in (]uantity and character. .\ feed 
mill is also run in connection with the concern, and their output has ohtained 
more than a local reputation for excellent (|ualitv. 

Mr. \\ oKerton was born in T^'ronc township. 1 j\in<;ston couiUx'. Michi- 
gan, seven miles south of Linden. February 7. 1H59. His father. Anderson 
J. W'olvertoii. is now about se\enty }ears of age and lives on his farm near 
Tyrone, whither he had come with his parents. Jonathan C. and Hannah, 
from Xew ^'ork state. l.>eins;' pioneer settlers in that \iciuit\-. Their old home 
was at Tyrone. .Xew \'ork. and Mr. W'oKerton. William's i^r.uid father, on 
comiuii' to this \-irgin territory-, was instrumental in ln\iu;;' the townshi]i 
named in honor of his former hoiue. On arrixitig they ])Iuuii"ed into the un- 
explored forest and tr.ausformed it into the jireseiU homestead, yiv. Jona- 
than (. . \\ oKerton not only did pioneer work in suhduinj;- the forest, liut took 
steps to set on foot religious influences in the communitw haxing organized 



62 BIOGRAl'HICAL HISTORY 

tlie Methodist Episcopal class that held its tirst sessions in the nearb}" school- 
In luse. He li\ed to enjoy a ripe old ag'e. 

W'iHiam C. was married cm Alarch 4, 1880. to ]\Iiss Hattie Rcjgers, also 
of 'r\'ri.)ne, Michigan. Her mother's maiden name was Harriet Salsbiny. who 
was the daughter of another pioneer of the cnunty, viz.. John C. Salsbury. 
He was born in Greensburg". Green cnunt}', Xew York, im June i, 1813, and 
came to ]Michig-an in 1830, and eight years later settled in T^rcjne township. 
He had a marked influence in shaping the life and develupment nf the com- 
niunit\-, soon ac(|uiring a good reinitation as a man that Ijeliexed in giving" 
a .square deal to ever}- one. He was chosen as justice of the peace, filling 
this place for man}- }-ears. alternating at tiiues with other local offices. He 
was an industrious student of the Bil)le and became known as an authority on 
Biblical (|uestions. He was matle a local ])reacher in the Methodist F.piscopal 
church and ministered to the people iii that capacity until his death. He w-as 
(|uite a favorite with the young- ])eoi)le of the community antl frequently had 
the pleasure of contributing to their ha]ipiness by performing marriage cere- 
monies. 

His daughter. Harriet, n-ientioned above as the mother of ?\lrs. Williinn 
C. \\"ol\erton, was born in Tyrone. Michigan. August 29, 1842. and died 
Februarv iQ. 1904. at Linden, wlicre she was living w-ith her daughter, Mrs. 
\\'olverton. She was married to Xelson Rogers in i8f)0. their marriage being- 
broken by the latter"s death six years later. In 1877 she married Chester 
Ijlack. who died in 1883. leaving. l)esides his wife, a son, John C. Black. The 
latter has lived in the \\'olverton fan-iily since his childhood, and has devel- 
oped into a miller of the highest order. He has lieen of estimable ser^-ice at the 
mill, lia\ing charge of many of the details of the business. He was united in 
n-iarriage to ]\liss Bessie Du Shane, of Howell. Air. W'olverton does not 
give his entire time to the Linden niill, inasmuch as he also operates a mill 
at .\rgentine. He is thoroughly experienced in the business, having worked 
in this line since leaving the farm at the age of twenty-one. At that time he 
entered the mill at Parshallville. ser\ing there for a numlier of years as an 
en-iplove. later olitaining a half interest in the concern. He takes great pleas- 
ure in conducting the affairs of his business on a strictly high grade basis. 



(il'.XI'.SI-.l': COIX IN', MKIIK.AX. 63 

Ai.nxzo 1;. ll^•.\•^•|'. 

Aiiutlicr line 1 if Linden's esleenicd and capable citizens is Alcmzn 1!. ll\alt. 
])i)Siniasier and i)r(i])riel(ir of a general niercliandise store in the Masonic 
Association l)nildin.ti". lie has lieen in l)nsiness at this location inv the hist 
ten years. J lis In'si commission as postmaster was issned under President 
Harrison's achninistration in iSSi; and ex])ired in iSi)3- lie was re-com- 
iiiissione<l in iN'jJ li\' President .\lcl\iiile\ , and has fuUilled the duties of his 
ot'tice ill a maslerl\' lashion, i;i\int;- eminent satisfactK jii to all patrons and 
friends. 

lie was l)orn at Deertield. 1 ,i\intiston countv. Michiijan. on April 10, 
184^). His parents were Daniel T. and Maria (Wise) Hyatt, who were l)oth 
emigrants from Xew ^'ork•, and were married there. Thev came to Michiiian 
in 1837, and began their |)reparations for a home at Deerlield, which at that 
time was practicalh- nothing hnt a forest. They followed the usual piont-er 
custom of hnilding themsehes a neat log cabin and in tins cabin the subject of 
our sketch, .\lonzo. was born. Ills parents reiuoxed into Indiana for a 
short time, retiu'iiing to .Michigan in 1X3(1. .Vlonzo's father was (|uite a skillei.1 
mechanic and patternmaker, and constructed the model for the hrst separator 
built in Michigan, the machine being built b\- \\. T. Merrill, of llirniinghrnu. 
lie died at Linden at the age of se\enly-eiglit years. 

Alonzo remained on the fai'iii until he was seventeen years of age. Jn 
iX(^)j5 he joined the Sixth .Michigan t'a\alr\- ;ind began active field service in 
\'irginia. Much of his time in this state was spent in the historic Shenan- 
doah \alle\-. which had become a veritable hotbed of contention. I'eartul de- 
struction of life and proi)crtv raged in this lieautiful valley until it at last 
became a desolate and woe-begone scene. Instead of beautitul larm bouses, 
dotting the thriftv lan(lsca])e. there remained only heaps ol ashes and scorched 
and blackened timbers. The rolling fields, w ith ri])ening grain wav ing before 
the breezes, gave place to an entangled mass matted together with heroic 
blood. Mr. Hvatt remained with the regiment until the close of the struggle, 
and was then discharged ;it hi. Leavenwdrth, Kansas, in 18(13. 

In iN(i(i he came to Linden, where he was later m.arried to .Miss (, ornelia 
I'lentoii, daughter of ^'. 1*",. Leiiton. merch;iut aiul farmer of Linden, who set- 
tled here in the '30s. Since bis father's death .Mr. Hyatt's nKMlier has had her 
home with him. and under his kindlv care an<l t'orethought for her comfort 



64 BIOGRAl'HICAL HISTORY 

and \\elfare, slie lias lieen perniitted to aci|uire tlie unusualh- rijie old aq'e of 
ninety-three years. 

Mr. ll\-att spent several }ears on the tarni. hut his adai)tal)ility and 
training' led him to liroaden out into acti\ities other than tillinti' the soil, al- 
though he has ne\-er given up active interest in agricultural pursuits. 

In 1876 he went into mercantile life and has risen each successive year 
until he has a secure husiness standing in the ci immunity. i''or two years he 
discharged the duties of township treasurer in a commentlahle wav. and has 
taken an acti\e part in the political activities essential to partx' machine! v. 
He has not sought for public office, but has rather been chosen by his friends 
as a fit and able representative of the people's interests. He is thorougiily 
familiar with all tlie methods of jirncedure in matters political, anil is recog- 
nized as a valuable man on the floor of the i)art\' conxentions. 

In loilge matters, also, has Mr, Hyatt sho\\n himself to be not only 
actixe and ambitious, but worthy as well. He has been a Mason since 1872, 
and has been blaster Mason for seven consecutive years, and has also been 
representatixe in the grand lodge sessions. He has held the highest office with- 
in the gift of the I'enton Commanderw and is a M\stic Shriner of the Moslem 
Temple in Detroit. 

His familv cinisists of three children. Claude E. has received a good 
education and is rendering efficient ser\ ice to the communitx' as deputy post- 
master. Jose])hine, one nf the daughters, is assisting also in the postoffice 
duties. The other tlanghter. Maude, is the wife of James Hoover, who is 
employed l)v the D. L'. R. R. at Detroit. Michigan. It is the hope of Mr. 
Hyatt's man}- friends that his opportunities for actixity may long be continued. 




V. 13. CLARKE. 



The high standing of the city of !'"liiit lias been largely due to the push 
and energy of its leading citizens. In almost all the phases of the city's life 
are to be found marks of excellence, progress and efifectiveness. Probably in 
no other clc])artment. bowexcr. is this more obserxable than in its public insti- 
tutions, and among" these there is none that deserves more particular mention 
than Uic institution for the education of the deaf. This school stands as the 
pride, not of the communit\' alone, but of the enlu'e state. Its equipment 
m.anagenicnt. curriculum ami methods are e.xcelled nowhere in the conntw 
and iti many respects ba\e served as models that ha\e had marked intlucnce 
in shaping the work and luanagemeiU of similar institutions throughout the 
state and country. 

This excellent state of aflairs has been largely brought about b\' the broacl- 
minded and etticieiU superiiUendent of the school. I'rofessor !'". D. Clarke. 
.\. M.. who has i)een at the head of the institution since 1H92. Mr. Clarke 
Ijelongs to a military line traceable back to Revolutionary times. His 
great-.grand father. W illiam Clarke, was cokmel of the Second Xorth Caro- 
lina Continentals of the regular army in the Revolutionary war. Colonel 
CMarke's father, John ('larke. came froiu England to rctersburg. \'irgiuia. 
and emigrated from tliere to .Xorth tarolina. I be colonel's son was a 
5 



66 BKKlRAt'HlCAL HISTORY 

privateer in the war of i8i_'. William J. Clarke, father of our subject, was 
a man of prominence and ahility, being controller of the state of North Caro- 
lina before the Civil war, and attaining-, also, the rank of captain in the war 
with Alexico. At the lireaking out of the Ci\il war his military experience 
and wide acquaintance piU him again into the held, and the cause he espoused 
re:ei\-ed from him unselfish su]>port and uncpralified de\-otion. He was 
colonel of the Twenty-fiiurth Xorth Carolina Troops and he did active and 
heroic ser\ice in Lee's army all through, the war. After the close of the strug- 
gle he liecame circuit judge in his own district and finalK" answered to the last 
roll call in the year 1887. 

Francis D. Clarke, subject of our sketch, was born T<'mriar\- 31, 1848. 
His training anrl education ha\e been indeed broad and ci.imprehensive. carry- 
ing out to the fullest th.e id.eals of the ca\-alier (la}'s. In 1861 he entered 
Da\'ison College. Xorth Carolina, remaining there until he enlisted in the 
Confederate ser\'ice in 1803. He entered the na\'\". ser\ed on board a \'irginia 
ironclad, and aided in the torpedo ser\'ice, besides doing patrol service on the 
James river. Later he was present at an.d achie\'eil \'aliant service in one of 
the fiercest conflicts known, at sea, wz.. the en.counter at Mobile Ijav. W ith 
a pi>werfu1 s(|uadron Adnural I'arragut made a swift descent on this im- 
portant and strongh' defended harbor. ^Ir. Clarke was on board of one of its 
strong x'essels of defense, the ironclad raiu calleil '" Ihe rennessee." In time 
the Confederate fleet was dispersed, but r.ot without a determined and heroic 
struggle. From shore to shore the harbrir resounded to the deafening roar of 
the terrific guns, intermingled with the shouts of the officers, the cries of the 
wounded and the wails of the dying. Black clouds of smoke, pierced here 
and there h\ lightning flashes from the cannor.s' mouths, rolled in great masses 
o\er the face oi the waters, seemingly bent on covering up the fearful carnage. 

The hederal admiral, harragut, lashed to the rigging of his flagship, the 
"Hartford, " saw snddenK' a terrific cloud of spra\' neai" \)\. and a moment later 
a Union \-essel went to the bottom, having struck a fatal torpedo. BiU more 
than that. Coming tlown upon the "Hartford" at full speed was the black 
monster, the "Tennessee," on board of which as above stated. Mr. Clarke 
had done serxdce. Then ensued a most terrific conflict. The "Tennessee" 
was surrounded \)\ bombanling ami battering ironclads, and finally was forced 
to surrender. ls\v. Clarke escaped and entered the naxal brigade. To be 
brief, he ser\-ed lo\allv till the close of the war, was made first, midshijjman. 



(;e.\i-:sI':I': corxi^', .miciiicax. 67 

tlien liouti'iiaiU i ilic } i luiii^oi in the ser\ice). touij'ht" on both land an(l sea, 
haxint;' liopes of some time hemi;' an aihiiiral under tlie new re])ubhc. Dis- 
appointed, of cinn-se. in' this, he lost no time, liowexer. hut at the close of the 
war went into business at Raleij;ii, North C aroliu.a. In iSO(; he entered the 
Xew ^^lrk sehnol Inr deaf ;iud dumb, remaining until 1SS3. hi the meantime 
he ti 11 ik a scientific emu'se leading to civil engineering at Columbia College, 
Xew ^ I irk, receixing his degree of A. A!, in iNj.v This college is easily one 
of the foremost in the Cdunlrw lis curriculum is wide, is e(|iiii)ment ample, 
;uid it-- instructors are men of the \erv highest order obtainaljle either at 
h<ime iir abroad. A degree from this institution is a guarantee of scholar- 
shi]) ;ind attainment recdgnized througbuut the Land. In addition u< this Mr. 
Clarke completed a coiu'se in literature in the L'ni\ersity of New York, thus 
adding another de])artment tn his already well-stocked store of educational 
capital. Ill going to Xew Ynvk cit\' .Mr. Clarke had expected to receive an 
a])piiintmeiu in China, but in this his lio])es were not realized. Me tonk u]) wurk 
as a teacher for the deaf in the meantime, cniitiiiuing at this until 1885. Ai this 
time he was afflicted with a se\ere attack of pneumonia, which left him in a 
greatly im]jaired state of health. A change of climate was advised, and he ga\-c 
up his $2,500 ])osition, taking in its stead a $1,200 offer at the Little Rock state 
schi lol f(ir the deaf in Arkansas. His experience here was of a ver\- trying 
character, the coiiibiiialii mi of ])i>nv health and pour pa\- making a ro.ad that 
would lia\'e been discouraging even {<> an "Arkansas traveler." Ekit he set 
himself vigorously to work, and bv dint of hard and continuous effort he 
brought the school up tn a creditaljle and commendable basis. In 1892 he 
\vas elected t<i the superiiitendencN' of the I'liiit schonl, as stated in the fore part 
iif this article. I I ere lii-> wnrk has been imt cnil}' successful Init largelv origi- 
nal. He trains his own teachers, dr.awing them usually from the list of high 
school graduates. His activities have reached out to the public of the country 
through all awiilable channels. He was elected \-ice-])resident of the American 
h'ederatii in nf Teachers. organi/:e<l ;it hliiit. which hi>]ds its sessions everx' three 
}'ears. His contributions Id some nf the leading mag;izincs of the cnuntrv 
have been rife with scholarshi]) and thought-provoking to an eminent degree. 
His textd)o(ik, "Michigan Methods." dealing with how to teach the deaf, 
was the summing u]) of his lectures to teachers. ;uid li;is gained an inter- 
national re])ut;itii 111. being used in such countries as Ireland. I'lngland. Chii!;i. 
I'rance. etc. The effectiveness of his wurk m<a\- be noted f ri mi the fact tli.at 



68 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

al)out fi\-e-eighths of the deaf children learn to talk. Attention is given also 
to the manual training- feature of the institutinn, the courses here also being 
Ixith modern and comprehensi\e. Mr. Clarke has made practical use, too, of 
his kniiwledge of the sciences, having given special studv tn electricitv, heat- 
ing, lighting, ventilating, etc., and has applied these in his plans for the 
e(_|uipment of the school buildings. 

Professor Clarke was married in Connecticut to Miss Cecilia L. Ransom, 
a successful teacher in the city schools of New York. She is a woman of 
culture and excellent standing in the community, and is a member of the 
Daughters of the American Revolution, and is a niece of Governor Lansing. 

Profess(jr Clarke is a thirty-sec(.ind degree IVlason, having held im- 
portant offices all along. the line, and is at the present time worshipful master 
of I'lint Lodge, and has been recentlv elected grand marshal of the ^Michigan 
Grand Lodge of Masons. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clarke have li\'ing with them their niece, whose home 
has lieen with them since she was two years of age. They are acti\-e workers 
in the Lpiscopal church, of which he is \'estryman. Professor Clarke's long 
tenure in the position he now holds is clear e\i(lence of the endorsement of 
his work in that capacity, and the recipients of the fruit of his labors are to be 
congratulated upon having in their midst a man of such \'ital and mo\'ing 
force within the domain of his profession. 



GEXRSEE C■OL•^^^■, AIlCIIKiAX. 69 

W ILIJAAF STI'A'RXSOX. 

Tile suljject of tliis sketch. Mr. William Stevenson, is another of I'lint's 
early and substantial citizens, lie was ])orn in DiMniore. count\- of Down. 
Ireland. August 17, 1830. He came to IHint in the mMiuh of jnlv, 1848. 
I'or eighteen years lie was engaged in the jewelry and hunk trade, inaking 
substantial and steady progress by his upright dealings and thorougli work- 
mansliip. A.s time passed and the town grew in population as well as in 
business activit}'. he fnresaw greater opportunities for business achievements 
in the real estate field, and consequently transferred liis activities to that line, 
doing some building also as he went along. 

Having olitained a re])utation in the coniniunit\' fur his integrit\' nf 
character and his firm stand for fair dealing, he was asked by his fellow 
townsmen to officiate fur them in the capacity of justice of the peace. These 
duties he ]ierformed so well that he has been holding that post continuously 
for o\-er tliirty years, and lias received the title of "judge." and is commonly 
kndxvii alxiut tnwn as "Judge Stevenson," which is simply a compliment to 
liim fur tlie cpialitv of his work in that capacity. His jniljlic service has not 
liecn confined to this channel only, however. fi)r he has served for man\' vears 
as a memlier of tlie council, doing good service bv his sane views on ptiblic 
matters. In addition to this he has been called upon to serve on the citv 
school l)oard, and was also made a member of the building committee at the 
erection of the high schnol buikling. 

He has taken a deej) interest in the educational growth and advancement 
of the city, being fully alive to the splendid opportunities open to the people 
of the country, providing proper attention were given to this vital phase of 
community growth. In recognition uf his attitude in sclmol matters and his 
commendable public spii'it. he was ])re\'ailed upon to serve on the committee 
on teachers and schools, and had a marked intluence in raising the standard 
of teachers in the public schools, standing at all times as the cham].fi()n of 
the idea that tlie best are none too good for Flint. 

But not only in the departments of justice and of education has Air. 
Stevensiin l)een cnncerned. but also in the religious life of the cummunitv has 
he taken a cunspicunns part. He was closely identified with the movement 
to establish the (larlantl street Methodist Episcopal church. To this work 
he was a liberal contributor, giving freelv n(^t onlv of liis means, but also of 



70 BIOGRAPHICAL HIS'IORY 

liis time as well. The Imilding was of his nwn (lesigning, and was superin- 
tended Ijy liim while in process of cimstructinn. ddiis church was l_)uilt in 
tS6t and has since been torn down and annther built. As long as it stands 
it will remain a monument to liis interest, sacrifice and de\-otion. In 1870 he 
was instrumental in organizing the ^IcP'arlan Land Company and in bring- 
ing into the market and improving that section of the city known as the ]Mc- 
h'arlan addition. 

It would seem that in these multudinous activities Judge Stevenson 
could find time for nothing more. l)Ut there was also implanted within him a 
love for music, w hich has found expression in the forms to which he fciund 
himself adapte<l. In his stur\e)- and stud\- of the musical lield he was led to 
conclude that the musical tastes of the people should be improved and the 
standard of the community raised. Especialh' did he feel this need in the case 
of the church and Sunday school music of the day. He is widely known as 
the author of hymns and tunes of a sacred character, his dexotional nature 
breaking forth in a spontaneous s\niphon\' of ])raise. In the man^' faces of 
the diamond of character Mr. Stex'enson has reflected the light of true man- 
hood, his versatility of talent rendering valuable service in shaping the business, 
social, educational, religious, artistic and aesthetic thought of the community. 

His marriage. INIay 3. 1S69, was to Xellie J., daughter of Alfred Tivy, 
of Tuscola county. Michigan. Only three of their children are sur\iving at 
this time. His home is on Garland street, in a section of the cit\" which he 
did much to jirouiote, and is one of the centers of that culture and refinement 
that lea\e lasting impressions upon those wdio have found here genuine hos- 
pitality. Mr. Stexenson was pri\ate secretary in 1883-84 to Go\-ernor Begole 
and was maior on his staff'. 




r.M'i \ix (,i':()U(,i'. 1-:. .\I';\\'ali.. 

"I'.reallies there ;i man witli soul so dead 

W lio iie\er to liiniselt liatli said. 

'I his is ni\' own. im- nati\e hiiid .■"' " — Scott. 



< ieor^'c E. Xewall, captain ot tlie I'Js.;"litli .Micliis^an lnfantr\, was ])ny\\ 
at hlnshino". (icnesee county, Se]itcniher iS. 1S4J. He comes from mihtarv 
stock, his father. Thomas Xewall. horn at .Manchester. England. Xo\emher 
S. iSk). heing" the son of John .Xewall. a sailor in the English na\\'. who 
served in that capacity on Eake I'.rie dtuing the war of iSij. He attained 
the magniticent age of eight\-four \ears. Laplain Xew all's father was a 
cotton s[)inner and was married at Stock])ort. England, to Miss Sarah Mow- 
den. Soon alter the\ emigrated to .\merica. landnig at Xew \ ork and later 
coming on to l-'lushing. ha\ing friends there. They engaged ni f.iiniing ftir 
a while. remo\ing to Mint in 1848. In 185-'. in com])an\- with Isaac Merriman, 
he huilt and o])erated a planing mill. After his partner's death he associated 
with himself j. W . Armstrong, operating as Xewall iS: C'ompan\- until iSSi. 
at which time he i^etired. .Mrs. Xewall died ( )ctoln.-r 1. 1888. 

(leorge entered the ]ilairaig mill at the age of fourteen, remaining until 
i8C)i, when he enlisted in ('om[)an\- i'^ of the Seventh Michigan Infantrw he- 
ing later transferred to the Eighth Regiment. C'ompan\ A. He went out 



/-^ 



BIOGR.\PHIC.\L HISTORY 



as first lieutenant under Ciilmiel I'entun. and lia\-ing- S. C. Guile as captain. 
He shdwed marked aliilit}' fr^ni the start, and was destined tu see much 
active service. At James Island Captain (iuile was killed and Xewall suc- 
ceeded to the captaincy. From this time mi he e.xperienced the realities of the 
carnage of war. He took part in as many as twenty-five battles and skir- 
mishes, acquitting himself with hduor at e\ery contest, and enduring wounds 
and liardships without a feeling nf regret. He led his compan\' in the battles 
i>f Siinth Mountain, Antietam, b'redericksburg and Chancellorsxille, all nf 
which were notable points of contest and involved hard and strenuous fight- 
ing, entailing at times the loss of many loval and heroic lives. At length his 
jihysical strength liegan to show signs of depletion. Weakened bv wounds 
and by incessant duties in camp and field, he was at last compelled to retire 
from the serx'ice. and in 1863 resigned and came honie to recuperate his health. 

After the close of the war he went into the i)laning mill again, and con- 
tinued at that work until 1881, at which tune he was elected as count}- re- 
corder, ser\-ing continiioush- till 1883. On account of his clear and (|uick 
insight into legal matters and having the un(|ualified confidence of the people, 
he has become widely known as a jjension attorney, practicing before the 
department of the interior since 1888. His business ability and integrit\- won 
for him the appointment to the postmastershi]) of l-lint in 1801, which a])- 
pointment he filled with great ability, discharging his duties in an ini])artial 
and ci inimendable \va\\ 

in -May, 18O3, he was married to Aliss Sarah H. Freeman, the daughter 
of Daniel S. b'reeman, wIk.) came from New Jersey and settled at Pontiac, 
Michigan. Later, in 1834, he remo\ed to I-'lint. Their union was lilessed 
with two children, John W. and W'imiie ].. who died at the age of twent}'- 
three vears. 

The captain has received man}' tokens of honor, respect and conlidence 
from his fellow citizens. In 1883 they bestowed upon him, 1)}- a generous 
maiorit\'. the chief office within the gift of the citv, viz.. that of mavor. This 
place be filled acceptably. He has also ser\ed as school director and has 
been supervisor of the first ward. 

He has Ijeen intimately associated with the organizations in the com- 
munit}-, being a member of the ^Masons and the IMaccabees. He is identified 
\vith the Fjjiscopal faith, is ])ast commander of the (jeneral Crapo Post, (irand 
Arm\- of the Republic, and for three }-ears commanded Company A, Third 



r.EXRSKF. COl'XTN'. AIlCIIKiAX. 73 

Keginiciil. "i" ilio stale militia. CajUain Xcwall is a sturdy Rcijublicaii ami 
has ffeiiucntly been called upnu to represent the inenihers of his party in the 
county and state com entinus. Thus, not imly cm the field of battle hut in 
the ci)iiii)lex social and ci\ic life as well he has demonstrated his fitness and 
his w illinsjuess tn he nf ser\ice ti 1 his fellnwrnen. 




ARTHUR C. AlcCALL. 



Artluir C McCall. nne nf I'lint's must liig'lilv esteemed citizens, was 
l)i>ni in L'amilliis, Onondaga county, Xew \'(irk. Ji-il\' 3, 1852. ,\t tlie age 
of thirteen his home was clianged to Aldnrne Cdiuitv, i)f the same state, and 
tw'ii \-ears later the famih- came U> Michigan. His father. Hugh INIcCall. also 
a natixe nf the same state, was of the nld and stanch Scotch l'resb^■te^ian stock. 
He was a t\'])ical gentleman of the old school, antl carried himself in harmony 
with his conyictions. He had great respect for the Ijallott and when casting 
his \-ote wonld inyariably unco\-er his head. He heliex'ed in rexering the Salj- 
hath and kei)t the day rigidly sacred, allowing no lex'ity of anx' kind. He was 
a great student of the Bible and was a dangerous antagonist in an argument. 
He followed the harness making trade in (irand Blanc township, and li\ed to 
the \enerable age of ninet^•-one ^•ears. going to rest in 1901. Arthur's mother 
died when he was but tweh'e \'ears of age. He was among the \"onngest of 
ele\"en clnldren. of whom but one besides himself sur\"i\-es. This is Alex- 
ander ]\lc(.'all. of (irand I.Uanc. Some of the members of this famih' won 
places of trust and distinction. One of the boys, John ("i., who died at De- 
troit in Kjoi, was state agent of the Bankers' Life Insurance Company, of 
T^cs Moines, Iowa. Fred ]\I., who died in iNy2. was at one time deputy 
sheriff of (lenesee county. 



GEXESEE COIN" 1 ^^ M U 1 1 K .AX. 75 

Arthur remained at lidiiie. C'ouiin.^' to Michigan, and. learning the liar- 
ness maker's trade, lie succeeded his father in his sho]) at (Irand I'.lanc. In iSSi 
he was ai)])ninted deputx' slierill ;ind turnkev. Later lie became engaged as 
Ijaggageman at the k. \- I'. .M. railwax' station at k'lint. In 1 SS4 he was 
elected count}' sherilf after a camiJaign of a \erv peculiar and interesting" 
cliaracter. Just three days before the election the regular nominee for sheriff 
withdrew ami it became necessarx to ])Ut in a strong man to lill the \'acancy 
antl help sa\e the da\-. Mr. McC'.all was ])re\ailed u])on to make the race. .\11 
the ])rominent men of the partv lent their aid. and one of the li\eliest short 
campaigns in the county's histor\' followed. The entire Republican ticket was 
elected. Mr. McC'all tilled his place so well and so acceptably that he was re- 
turned to the ofiice until making up four years of ser\'ice. During this time 
he made a record as sheriff such as had ne\er been e(|ualed before, and will 
be hard to ecli])se in the future, b'onr men were convicted of murder in the 
lirst degree, and ti\-e men were taken to prison, sentenced for life. 

.\fter his services as sheriff he entered the clothing business as a mem- 
ber of the firm of I'ettibone & McCall. After serving two years as alderman 
it became evident to the ])eople that he ])ossessed traits of character and marks 
of ability such as were needed in men for places of greater responsiiiility, 
and as a result he was ])laced in the mayor's chair in 1H94. The ])Coplc were 
not disappointed in the man. and at the expiration of his term as ma\or he 
was again asked to take charge of the sliei'il'f's oflice. This place he tilled with 
characteristic success for four \ears. or. making in all. eight years of scr\'ice 
as county sheriff', being the longest term of service in that office for one man 
in the history of the count}-. He retired from office, but was made deput}- 
internal rexenue collector in I'ebruary. iijoi. This occupied his entire at- 
tention and he ga\ e himself o\er fullv to this work for two \'ears. (Jii leav- 
ing this he took the management of the "nuulap" hotel at |ackson\ille. 
Illinois, filling this place for lifteeu months, at the expiration of which, he re- 
turned to I'dint. He has since directed his attention to the Uankers' Lite 
Insurance Compau}-. of Des Moines, but is still active in politics and the .gen- 
eral life of the couimunitx'. lie is also a stockholder in the Ldint carriage 
factor}-, and owns considerable re;d estate abont town, doing considerable 
building as well. 

In 1 87S Mr. Mc(';dl was niarrie<l to ,-in estimabU' xonng wmnan Miss 



76 bio(;raphical history 

Harriet L. Tupper, daughter nf Xewall Tupiier, a pimieer of Grand Blanc 
township. Tlieir son, Donald, is practicin.t;' dentistry at Muskegon. JNIichigan. 
]\Ir. ]McCall has found time to make great advancement in the Masonic 
order, having become a ^h'stic Shriner and has held positions of trust in the 
Masonic Temple Association. Air. AlcCall is a thirty-second degree Mason, 
and is past commander. 




I'REDERICK \\'ELTOX |UDD. 



Anion^- tlic men nf culture and (it wurlil-wide experience with which 
the citizenship of l-'lint lias hcen favdred is Mr. Frederick Walton Judd. who 
was horn of prominent English ancestrs' at \\ atertown. Litchfield county, 
Connecticut, Jul)- 14, i8j6. The family record traces hack through colonial 
times to London, England. Three hrothers came from London about four- 
teen years after the Pilgrims "Moored their hark on the wild Xew England 
shore." One of these settled in Xew Llaven and is ['"redrick W'.'s ancestor; 
another settled in .Springfield, Massachusetts, and another in Boston. Know- 
ing that in 1520 a judd had heen lord ma^'or of London. ^Ir. Judd. our 
subject, \isited London in 1903. and found the tomb of Sir Christoijher judd, 
once lord ma\'or. in I^t. Helen's church, said to be the oldest church in the 
metro])(ilis. and of which Sir Christopher had at one time been \estr\nian. 
When i-'rederick was a child his f.atlier, Samuel Hawkins judd, renioxed to 
\\'aterbur\-, Connecticut, and there engaged in business, and later participated 
in tlie war of 1812, having been drafted at the opening of the conflict. He 
came to Ohio in 1844, making his home in Lake county, where he lived until 
his death, which occurred at k'Unt in i 8-6. He was \'isiting his son, b'rederick, 
at the time, .and had aci|uired the grand old age of eight\-four \'ears. b'red- 
erick"s mother dcpartcil this life three years ]ire\ious. She, too, was a de- 



j8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

sceiulant of revolutionan' stock. Her maiden name was Marcia W'elton, 
(laughter of Johnson Frederick W eUon. 

Besides Frederick there were three other chikh'en liorn into the faniih'. 
One lit tliese. INIrs. Alerrim.an. h\es at \\'aterljury. Connecticut, ami has now 
readied the age of eighty-seven. Another, Mrs. Cnok, removed to the south 
after marriage, and passed to rest in Georgia, also at the age of eighty-seven 
\ears. A third (laughter jjecame Mrs. Xancy C. \\ arner and departed this 
life at Pavnes\ille, C)., ha\ing gone ]je)'ond her sevtieth year. 

When a ])i'\ h'rederick had i ibt.aiiied considerable experience in business as 
a clerk in a general store. His duties here were, of course, miscellaneous in 
character, but he made the accjuaintance of many i)eople and acquired that 
aptitude for handling business affairs which prox'ed such a strong" factor in 
his later career. In i^-\.y he came west to (Jh\n and entered a mercantile 
establishment at CIe\eland. In iiS5() he went to Indianapolis as secretar_\- and 
treasurer of the Big Four railnjad, the "'Bee Lme." This was one of the 
pioneer railroads of Indiana and had much influence in developing' that coun- 
tr\- and stimulating the growth of the "Railroad City." This railroad con- 
nected Indianapolis with Gallon, (Jhio, passing through the city of Bellefon- 
taine. from which the road derix'ed its name. This thoroughfare later Iie- 
came the Clexeland di\isi(;n of the Big Four S}'stem. and is now one of the 
divisions of the Xew A'urk- Central lines. The president nf the road at that 
time was h.ilin I'lrough, of Madisun, Ohio, who later became the "war go\'- 
ernor" of the state. 

Returning to Clexeland two years later 'S\v. Judd became connected with 
one of the leading banks of the citw Init ere long his health compelled a change 
of occupation and climate. Thriiugh his brotlier-in-law . Mr. Merriman, at 
\\'aterbur\'. li mnecticut. he came into ciu'respnndence with W . 1.. Smith, 
of that place, wlm wished t" come west, anil w hi i was induced tn locate at 
Flint by one of its banker.^. Mr. Brockwa}'. As a result there was o]3ened 
a general merchandise store at Flint in 1862 under the name of William L. 
Smith & Company. This association continued until tSfiO. being then dis- 
solved. Ml'. Smith beciiUiing the head of the hrm of Smith. Bridgeman & 
Ci>m])any. while Mr. Judd allied himself with another hrm in the h'enton 
block, taking the name of Judd, McCrearey & A\-ery. This firm soon acquired 
a magnificent trade as dealers in general merchandise, and became exceedingly 
well kniiwn thnaighout the county. They alsn operated a lunilier mill in 



(;i':xi':sEE col'xtv. .mkiik.ax. 79 

ci 111 juiictidii witli llic- ustaMisIniR-iii. Later llii> partiic-rship was disci iiuimie<l 
and Mr. judd l)Lranie sole proprietor of tiie mercantile line. Shortl_\' after 
lhi> -Mr. judd visited tiie Lake i^iiiierior region to inspect land owned by his 
father-in-law. .Mr. Wick, a hanker of Cleveland. As nsnal with him, Mr. 
ludd had his e\ cs open and soon discovered traces of imn cjre. lie left his 
mercantile Imsiness in Mint in the hands of his trusted associates, M. II. 
l\ttihone and h-. L. ."^wan. aiKJ i opened n]i an iron mine in the new territory 
near the lake. ( )re was ol)laine(l m l;ooi1 (|uantities an<l slii|)ped to Cleveland 
and Lrie. lint the price of the commodity steadil}- declined until it hecame 
expeilient to suspend > peiation^ fur the time being. This experiment, how- 
e\er. was the heginning of the iron mining industr\- of the Creat Lake region, 
which has >ince de\'eloped to such large pro])ortions. and has figured so prom- 
ineiUK' in llie industrial de\elo])ment of the lake territory. 

Mr. judd returned to h'lint and in iS-d huilt the Judd hlock now owneil 
li\- the LM\al (iuard. Soon after he sold out his store, haxing heen engaged 
in the mercantile traile for sixteen years, and engaged himself in handling 
insurance and real estate. In 1883 he went to Cle\-eland and opened up a 
cold storage and ice manufacturing concern. This industrv pros])ered until it 
was (lis])osed of, and since tlult time Mr. Jmld has not felt inclined to confine 
Ifimself to rni\' definite occupation, his wide and successful operations ha\'ing 
earned for him a much needed and well deserxed rest. .\s a lighter a\enue 
ill which to direct his natix'e stu'plns energies, Mr. judd has kejit up his interest 
in real estate, stocks and bonds. 

Mr. judd w;is married at Clexeland. ( )hio, August 17, 183:;, to Miss Hen- 
rietta M. \\ ick. daughter of a hanker. ilenr\- \\ iek. She has traveled exten- 
si\'ely on account of jjuDr health, making several trips abroad, and \isiting 
])oints in h'rance. (lernnny, k'ngland, Italy, etc. Their family consists of the 
following: Ileinw W ick jmld. in the .Stock b.xchange, Cleveland, Ohio. He 
was a graduate of the .St.ate l'ni\ersity of Michigan, class 1878, having taken 
the mining ami civil engineering course; h'redrick W'elton judd, died in 
infanc}-; Helen Wick judd, wife of .\lfred II. Hrainerd, who is general auditor 
of the Standard Oil C"ompany at the Xew \"vk headi|uarters, having his 
home ;it .South ( )range, .\ew jersey; h'lorence \\ ick judd has become the wife 
I'f I )r. (ieorge H. Cpson, of Cleveland. ()hio. 

Since 18(4 Mr. judd has lived in his present residence on Ivist Kerslev 
street, which was erected bv Mr. W illiams. son of ( lovernor Williams, of \'er- 



8o BIOCRAPHICAL HISTORY 

mont. At that time it was the mansion of the town. ^Ir. Jiukl enjoys his care- 
fully selected library immensely, and is particularly interested in matters per- 
taining to antiquities, such as pre-historic man and races, early Jewish nations, 
etc. His reading and study are vi\-ified b^• his extensi\'e travels in fijreign 
countries, having kept on the alert and taken copious notes while visiting 
places of interest and renown. He met the Rew Father Murphw the world- 
renowned ecclesiastic, while in Rome, ar.d was one of the party present at 
the incident related in the hiographv of Father Murph\' in the present viilume. 
He is full of interesting reminiscences of his travels, and never fails to deeply 
interest and highly instruct any one who may ha\e the privilege of spending 
a few hours with him. He still takes an active part and interest in local mat- 
ters and participates in the management of the gas company. He has been 
closely identified with the erection and maintenance of the Episcopal church 
of Flint, thus rounding out his davs, forming an apt illustration of, 

"First the blade, then the ear. 
Then the full corn on the ear." 



CKXKSF.K L()l\'\\. MKliKi.W. Si 

WII.IJAM Mif.RI'.COR. 

Ml'. William .Mc(Ire^'nr. a s]il(.'ii(liil f\ain])lc nf a sclt-iiiadc man. was 
licini in l,cr(iy. ( Icnesee cnuntw W'w ^ll^k. Jnnc i, iN.V'- I!"-' cnmes fmni 
sturdy Scdlcli ancestry, Init was liereft nf ln> parents wlu-n Imt iweKe \'ears 
iil.il. At liis tatlicr"s recjucst heture death \\ illiam was taken in eliarij'e bv a 
relative. .Mr. Alexander Mcl-"arlan. ni .\ttica. New ^Hrk. He tlien began to 
learn the tannei"'s trade and fnllnwed the business f'cir a lew vears. coming' 
with the .Mcl'arlans tn Michigan (tn I'dint ) in 1850. A[r. .Mrharlan here en- 
gaged in lumbering, and William received rdnindant e.\])erience at all <it 
these nccupations. Mr. Alcbarlan was a man nf en(ness jmwers df endurance 
,'md applied himself energeticallv tn whatexei' work he had "u hand, lie was 
relenlless in the W(jrk he had undertaken, and William receixcd suuie lirst-dass 
sclii>iiling in the line ni physical etiduranre, nften being called upon to wnrk all 
iir a part nf the night scaling r:r hauling logs, as occasion demanded. .\s an 
illustratinn. William was sent after tu'e o'clnck in the e\'ening' to Saginaw, a 
distance nt thirty-three miles, > m an errand, with instructions to he liack at 
eight ii'clnrk the next ninniing. This rigid ti'aining and Nignmus activity, 
thnugli hard 1 mi the cdnstitution. laid in William's character the fi lumlatinn 
principles that ha\e enabled him tn successfiill\- grapple the pmblems of life 
that ha\'e cnntinunusly met him nn the wa\'. 

During the days nf William's yniinger manhnnd the htmbcr industrx' in 
this section was all impcjrtaiit. and he smm became a proficient and \aluable 
liel])er in this extensive Ijusiness. He wnukl be ])laced in charge nf i'es|)iinsible 
oversight in various capacities, carrying out the details of his work with great 
care and unifnrm success. Later, when Mr. Mcl'^arlan began tn erigage in 
farming nn i|uite a large .scale, William rcadil\' adapted himself tn the re- 
(fuirements nf the new cnuditinns, and attended tn the farming affairs in con- 
junctinn with nthcr duties in mill and \;ii'd. m;iking his linuie in Idinl ,'it the 
same time. 

His executixe ability and innate p<iwer and insight intn business led him, 
in iSoi;. tn jnin with William Hamilton in |)urc]iasing' the mill located at the 
dam in the h'lint ri\er. This niill was nue nf the oldest mills in the cnuntr\'. 
having been limit in 1S48 by Mr. Hamilton's father, jnhn ll;nuiltnii. This 
mill became knnwn as the Hamilton \- Mc'.iregor mill, and cnntinued sn nnti! 
it was closed in 187S on account nf the exhaustinn t^i timber. L'nder the 
' 6 



82 bio(;raphical history 

new firm it was running- at its full capacity and had a tremendous output of 
excellent lumber. In c< injunction with this mill, the firm also operated a 
22,000,000 capacity mill at Ray City, Mr. AIc(iregor having charge nf it. 
while }Av. Hamilton conducted the mill at Mint. At Bav Citv thev also 
operated a salt block of two hundred l>arrels' daih- output. At this time they 
met with their severest reverses in the loss of the plant at Bav Citv. This 
was valued at $78,000. upon which they had just allowed the insurance, on 
account of high rates, to l)e reduced to SiO.ooo. \\'hile this loss staggered 
them for a while, it did not stop their activity, but stimulated them to more 
\-igorous eflnrt. and they e\entuall_\- came out ahead. It is Init a just compli- 
ment to Mr. McGregor to state that he had the implicit confidence of his part- 
ner. Mr. Hamilton, in all business transactimis. Mr. [McGregor's judgment in 
all Ijusiness matters would lie the deci<ling \i)ice in all \-entures. and during 
the long and successful period of their association tog-ether their relations were 
cordial and harmoniotts. an<l contiiuied till Mr. Han-iilton"s death in iSqq. 
Their lousiness interests were not confined to their locality, l)ut extended into 
land transactions in other states, such as Wisconsin. Missouri, etc. These, 
with the lumber and timber interests. ha\-e occupierl considerable of ]Mr. Mc- 
Gregor's time, liut since his partner's death he has closed out most of his out- 
side interests and has in a measiu'e retired to less acti\-e life at his home in hdint. 
Mr. IMcGregor has had no desire to niingle with politics, preferring 
rather to give his undivided attention to bis business. He has been for some 
time a \-alu;ible men-iber of the board of directors of the National Bank. 

He was married in 1858 to ]\Iiss Marie Brousseau. daughter of Julius 
Brousseau. a millwright and builder of mills. She was bom at Rochester, 
Xew \'ork. and came to l-dint in her fifteenth year. Two of their children died 
in childhood, and the one sur\i\-iiig. Maud, is the wife of \\ . C. \\ ells, cigar 
manufacturer of Flint. Air. McC.regor was brought up in the Scotch Pres- 
lAterian faith. He has traveled in nearly all of the states in the Union. 
Starting out in life without a dollar be has now reached a splendid height of 
achievement, and can look back upon a long and successful business career 
with the greatest of satisfaction. 

"The secret of success is constancy of purpose." — Disraeli. 



(.I'.xi'.si-.h: (.oixr\\ mriik.ax. 83 

COLOXEI. O. !•". LOCHIIl'.AD. 

Hats ..ft"! 
A Iniii;' tlif street tliei'e cmiies 
A Mare nf Ijiis^ie, a rullle nf drums, 
A tlasli nf ciilcir l)eueatli the sky. 

}Tats .iti"! 
The tla^' is passiiiij' l)v. 

— II. H. Bennett. 

One of the ninst liiglil}' esteemed and well helnxed citizens of l^^lint is 
Colonel Oscar 1'. 1 .ochlieatl. born in \\ a\ne county. Alichij^an, Xmeniljer 28, 
1838. Xo doubt much of the ])atrioiic blood Howins^' in Colonel Lochhead's 
veins is traceable to his Scottish ancestrx'. his father luu'ino' been a native of 
Glasgow. Scotland. Mis mother, .^larinda l.\oii. was a natix'e of Xew York 
state, coming latei" to \\ a\iie count^^ Mr. Lochhead is a graduate of the 
Plymouth high schodl. and also has ;i di])lonia from the Detroit commercial 
school. 

Immediateh- after he had CdUipleted the w 1 irk at the latter school, the 
n.ation entered into the fearful contest for the ])reser\-ation of mu' flag. In 
due time he, with tliirt_\'-one companions, went to Detroit, having been sworn 
into sen-ice. and were assigned to Company H, Second Regiment of ^lichigan. 
His was the first regiment to ofjcn fire at the battle of Blackburn's — three days 
before the battle of Bull Kmi. They were in the thick of the fray at Bull 
l\un. also, and were so reluctant to gi\-e up their ground that thev were the 
last regiment to lease the field. 

■ His \-aliant ser\ice. un(|ne^tioned bravery, and heroic daring soon won for 
him recognition, and he \\as promoted from one grade to another in rapid 
succession, and when discharged at the close of the war he w'as holding the 
rank of l)re\'et capt.ain. lie filled such ])laces as lieutenant, (juartermaster, 
duty sergeant, first sergeant, etc. He and (ieneral William Shakespeare, late 
of Kalamazoo, were the color bearers on the bitterh- contested field of bVed- 
ericksbnrg. The cnlnrs of this regiment had an exentful history, .going thrMUgh 
many a h.ard-fnught and ,gor_\- stru.ggle and falling e\entuall\- into the hands 
oi the Confederates at the "Crater" at I'etersljtn'g. \'irginia. Later the 
standard w;is returned and is now resting peacefully in the .archives of l,an- 



84 BIOGRAPHICAL Hi STORY 

sing, an el<jquent reminder of tlie hardships emUn-ed and triumphs attained 
b\- the l)i:)vs who so gallantly defended it. I'rcjliably Mr. Lochhead has in 
his possession today nothing of which he is more proutl or which he treasures 
more highly than the fragment of the regimeiital colors shot off while he was 
fearlessly hearing the standard into the face of the foe at In-edericksl>urg. In 
icS()4 he was made regimental (|uartermaster. He demonstrated his fitness 
for the arduous duties of the W(_)rk in man_\- and efficient ways. He had various 
experiences', having been sent to A'icksburg and to Knox\ille. and having fol- 
lowed Lee in the last campaign in Virginia. He was the first Cjuartermaster 
to get into Letersl)urg with the wagons. He was an able commander ni ( ",ov- 
ernor Crai)o Post. Grand Ami}- of the Republic, as is manifested by the fact 
that the post drum corps has not only been signally and uniformly successful in 
winning prizes. Init their work has e\-(.iked words of praise and cr)mmenda- 
tion from the highest and most conii)etent judges of such matters to be 
found in the state. His achievements brought favorable notice from 
the state press while commander of the bdint Union Blues, and was espe- 
cially noticed by Governor Bagiey himself. Then. too. as an organizer Air. 
Lochhead has earned commendable honors. He set on foot a local company 
of cadets. se\entv-seven in number, bringing them up to a high degree of 
])roficiencv, the company recei\'ing the first allotment of cadet rifles sent out 
bv the government. 

He also drilled Ciardner's band, which won so much distinction at the 
Centennial Exposition in 1876. 

Mr. Lochhead was married in 1867 to Miss 'Sl^ry Reynolds, daughter of 
Almon and Betsey ( McCumber ) Reynolds, early settlers of the state. Mrs. 
Lochhead has one sister, ]\Irs. Rittenhouse, now residing in Los Angeles. 
California. Mr. and ]Mrs. Lochhead have been blessed with two children. 
One of these, LIarr^• B., is a practicing physician of Pittston, Penns\-l\ania. 
having had a broad college and medical training. He is ccinstantly engaged 
in taking care of a lucrative practice. The daughter, Grace R.. de- 
]iarted this life in 1905. She had been quite a successful teacher in the school 
for the deaf, and was also employed in a similar capacity at Jacksonville, 
Illinois. 

Colonel Lochhead's standing in his conimunit}' is high, his hosts of 
friends and well-wishers realizing that the}- have in him not only a noble 
patriot and loyal citizen, Init also a man of pure and lofty ideals. 




w 



A.M la'l'L'S I'.ATES. 



William Ruins liatcs, uf the city nf I'linl, lirst came to -Michigan as a 
stiulciit at tlie university in 1863, and in iSdd he came to the state for the 
pur])iise 111 making- a permanent hume. and settled in Mint. He was con- 
nected with the \\'(>l\ei-ine Citizen as assciciate editdr with the late Francis 
H. Raiikin. Later he went to Saginaw as the ecHtor of the Daily Enterprise, 
remaining there one year. lie went tu Chicago as a reporter on the Daily 
Re]juhlican and filled the jjositiims nf rcpurtcr, news edilnr ;uid managing 
editnr nt tliat ])apcr tnitil it was snld tu a s\-ndicate headed 1)\- |. Young 
Scamniiin. and its name changed tn the Inter-Ocean. Mr. Hales then re- 
turned til I'dint and liecaiue associated with the late William S. Patrick, 
former max or. and tor three years the\" spent most of the time in Rav county 
in lumhering on the .\ugres river. Afr. I'ates was the tirst sniiervisor of the 
new town of Angres, and in the election of 1S70 he was returned as the rep- 
resentative of Ray count}" in the state legislature. He resigned prior to the 
special session of 1S71 and was appointed registrar of the Cnited States land 
ofifice at Saginaw. This ])osition he resigned in iSjf) and returned to Flint. 
Completing his law studies he was admitted to the bar of Cenesee county. 
He was ai)])ointed s])ecial agent of the Cnitdl States ])ension bureau bv Sec- 
retary Z. Chandler. Inn resigned in iSji) to become secrel;irv of L'nited States 



86 BIOGRATHICVL HISTORY 

Senator Henry P. Baldwin, w itli whom he remained during his term in the 
senate, and in 1 880-81 servetl as secretary of the state central committee under 
Mr. Baldwin as chairman. In 1882 he was appointed special agent of the 
United States treasury department. I'lcc C.eneral O. L. Spaulding, who was 
elected to congress. He was renrnved by President Cleveland for acti\ity in 
politics, after ser\'ing four and a half years. He then formed a law partner- 
ship with James H. ]\IcFarlan. Twd years later he removed to Detroit as a 
member of the law firm of Glidden & Bates. In 1886-88 he served again as 
secretary of the Rei^ulilican state central C(jmmittee, with Senator James Mc- 
]MilIan as chairman. He served again as secretary of this committee in 1880- 
84. During the eight years from 1888 to 1896 he was political secretary to 
Senator IMcMillan. In 1886 he was elected representative from the second 
district of Genesee county and ser\ed during the session of 1887. In May 
of that year he was appointed L'nited States marshal for the eastern district 
of Michigan and served eight years. Pie then returned to Flint. 

In 1866 he married Gertrude A. Belcher, (jf Flint, and they have two chil- 
dren — Irving Belcher and Mrs. Eusebia F. Hardy. 

Mr. riates was Iiorn at Cazenovia, IMadison county, Xew V(.irk, June 28, 
1845. Me was educated in the cnnmion schouls and at the seminarv located 
at Cazenovia, where his father and ninther, his only l)r(ither and also his wife 
were all educated. 

Mr. Bates is a thirty-second degree ]Mas(in and is past grand chancellor 
of the Knights of Pythias. 

The subject of this sketch has led a very acti\e life, as will be seen by 
reading the above, but has found time to preiiare and deliver many addresses 
on \-arious subjects. His private library is unusually large and well selected, 
and he spends much of his time among his Ijooks. 




CAl'TAlX CHARL]^.S S. Al AR'llX. 



Captain Charles S. .Martin is a descendant from a distingnished militarx- 
ancestrx'. liaving had representati\'es in all the important wars of the repuhlic 
from its birth to the present time. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the 
continental arm\- dnring the war of the Re\iilntion, and contrilmted his ser\ - 
ices to set the country- on its feel. The ne.xt generation gives ns the grand- 
father. William .Martin, who served in the war of 1812. doing \-aliant dnty for 
the flag. The ne.xt in line is the veteran of two wars. Charles P. Alartin. the 
father of the snhiect of onr sketch, lie was l)orn in Xewhnrg. Xew Hani])- 
shire, Se|)teml>er S, i(S_>4. When the .Mexican war was declared he went into 
the serx'ice. and saw dnt\- nnder the command of (ieneral W'inliekl Scott. In 
1863 he enlisted in Company C. h'irst Michigan Cavalry, was afterward con- 
signed to the Black Horse Ca\alry. and later transt'erred to Com])any .\. Xinth 
Regiment Reserve Cor])s, an<l was discharged Xoxemher Hi. icS(:3. at Wash- 
ington. I). C. lie was married in 1S3S to Miss Betse_\- E. l\e_\ser. a nati\e of 
Xew ^'ork state. Their marriage tonk ])lace at Howell. Michigan, after 
which thev removed to IVrntiac. Alichigan. where Mr. Martin engaged in the 
carpenter hnsincss. After the close of the war he retnrned to Pontiac. where 
he si)ent the remainder of his days. He ])assed awa\' jaiuiar\' _'. iSijj. and 
was snr\i\c(l till January 7. 10(^3. 1)\" his wife, who died at P>irch Knn. in Sagi- 



88 CIOGRAriUCAL HISTORY 

naw C(iunt\'. The}' had Imt mie child. Cliarles S.. whri was bum in Byron. 
Shiawassee county. [Michigan. Januar_\- 12, 1859. He was eiUicated in the 
pnbHc schools and early learned the carriage painter's trade, spending three 
years in service as an apprentice, which was followed 1)V two years of service 
under contractors. He followed this occupatii)n until April. 1878. In 1879 
he came to Flint and has been a resident i.if the 'A'ehicle City" ever since. In 
April of 1888 he was appointed substitute letter carrier and Ijecame a regular 
carrier on September ist of the same year. He discharged the duties of his 
appointment faithfull}' and with credit to himself and to the ser\'ice. and 
continued at the work until the "late uniileasantness with Spain" arrested the 
attention of the nation. Wdien the cr\- "'Remember the Maine" was echoed 
throughout the land ]Mr. ?\lartin could not restrain his patriotic impulses, and 
was enlisted under the old flag, so nobly ilefended liy his anc.estors. He was 
made second lieutenant of Com]ian\- A. Thirty-third Regiment of Michigan 
\'olunteers, and ser\ed in that capacitv througlioiu the war. He recei\'ed the 
rank of first lieutenant after his return home, and had seen service not only as 
regimental quartermaster. i)ut of manv other oflicial duties as well. Upon his 
return to Mint he resumed his duties as letter carrier, and has since continued 
in that capacitw 

b'cjr eight and a half ^•ears he was in the fire department of I'dnit. and 
resigned upon his appointment in the carrier service. He is the commander 
of the local organization of Spanish War \'eterans. and has held distinguished 
honor in the Odd bellows' fraternit\\ being past commander of the Patriarchs 
]Milit;int of the state of Alichigan. He is a lo\-al supporter of the Rebekah 
Lodge and has held chairs of prominence in other i:)rders as well, notably 
among the Knights of Pythias. 

He was married in Flint on }>lay 2. i88o. to ^Nliss ]\Iay Culver, who was 
born in l-"lint on ]\Iarch 4. 1803. She is the daughter of Alfred and Helen 
(Lewis) Cul\-er. who were among the early settlers in the county. ]\Ir. Cuber 
was engaged in the foundr\' work in. bdint, and died in 1870. aged forty-two 
years. ^Irs. Cuher is still living. There were foin- children in the family, 
of which ^Irs. ^lartin was the youngest. 

]\[r. and ^Irs. ]\Iartin are the parents of one scm. Frank R., and one 
daughter, Alice H., who has become the wife of Harr}' E. Annett. ]\Ir. Mar- 
tin was elected captain April J3, 1900, and served four Acars. resigning and 
being honoralilv discharged from the captaincy of Company A, Third Infantry. 



{;ex1':si-:I': coux'in. mk iik.ax. 89 

(ii-:()R(ii-: I). i-i..\xi)i".ks. 

In llie lite history of (ieiirf^e D. !• landers uc have a snniewhat variable 
and an interesting- career. His ]jarenls. as well as he himself, were natix'es of 
Xew ] Iani])shire. llis father, (."harles 11. h'landers. was horn at Warner. 
.Xew Mani])shire. in iSjo, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sophia 
A. W'illirnns. in Xew Hampshire in iS-',^ After their marriage they lived 
for a time at Clermont, same state, where their only child, fieorge D., was 
horn August _^o. 1844. l-'rom C'lernnmt the\- removed to Adrian. Michigan, 
in 1853. While the Civil war was going on in iS()J they went to St. Joseph, 
Missouri, but came l)ack two years later and settled in the city of I'lint. \\ hile 
here he engaged in the mercantile business, also in farming, and succeeded 
in carrx'ing' on his \-ocation to an honorable and successful close. He died in 
l-'ebruary, 1895. followed later by his wife, on T^ecember 9. 1896. 

Cieorge came west with bis parents in 1833 and was given a good edu- 
cation, as well as a good foundatinn b\' his home training for the structure of 
life. He went to St. Jose])b with hi^ parents in i8()3. remaining 
there for a slmrt time onl)-. He went to l)en\er next, and there offered his 
serx'ices to a Afr. I'".dmnnd Rollins, who bad a contract of fnnii^bing bay to 
all the governmeiU posts in that vicinity. ( ieorge was thn> engriged for one 
winter. recei\'ing 8150 per month and board. He sc>on showed strong points 
in getting things accomplislied, and in being al)le not only to get along with 
men. but was also able to get out of them their maximum wurk. In conse- 
(|uence be was ]nit in charge of the held work, in which there were operated 
often as manv as tweiU\- m.acbines at one time. He was in Deiuer during 
the famous Sand creek massacre. 

The following year he returned to St. jose])h and took up work as as- 
sistaiu bookkee])er for Hartwig. Sloop i*v Co.. a large mercantile establish- 
ment in that tbri\ing city, for about one year. In the meantime his ])arents 
had C(inie back t^ I'lint .-nid his father had bought two lots with a frame store 
building on the corner lot of Third axenue and Xorth Saginaw street. He 
then sent to St. Joseph for his son to come and assist him in the mercantile 
line, (jeorge was associated with his father in lousiness and farming until 
the hitter's death. \\ he;i Hetroit street was o])ened u\) a lot was dmiated 
to Charles B. Inlanders ])ro\iding be would build a store building thereon. 



90 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Mr. Flanders agreed to this quite readily and carried nut the prDpositinii with 
surprising' success. 

He was in favor of making imprii\-ements generally and took great pride 
in fixing up his nwn prnpertv in a neat and suhstantial war. He impro\'ed 
the property at the corner of Third avenue and Xcirth Saginaw street, mak- 
ing it not only more presentable, but also more attractive and useful. He 
probablv built the first brick building that was built in tliat block where his 
[jresent l)nsiness is located. 

-Vt that time he was adjudged rash and inconsiderate by people generally 
for building so far out of town, but time has \-indicated his faith in the ulti- 
mate growth and thrift of the "X'ehicle City." 

]\Ir. Flanders was married to ]\Iiss Anna C. Rankin, the daughter of 
L'rancis H. and Arabella ( Hearn ) Rankin. She is the mother of three sons. 
One of these is Charles B. ; another is Francis H.. who is engaged in the C'lal 
business at the present time, having partaken seemingly of his father's mer- 
cantile instinct. The third son is John L., who is a popular member of the 
communit}', participating acti\-el}' in its life and spirit. He is closely identified 
with the Masonic fraternit^■ and the Elks, as well as (ither kindred organiza- 
tions. ]Mrs. Flanders and children are members of the Episcopal church. He 
is a member of the board of trustees of the Hurlev Imspital. of Flint. 




■niF.OnoRl'. .\1. ILTPER. 



Aniuiig' the many wurlliy and loyal citizens <jf Flint mention must be 
made of Theodore M. Tui^per, of 1413 Harrison street. Mr. Tiqjpcr's father, 
Reuhen II. Tnpi)er. was liorn in Stoninqton. Connecticut. .Vu^'ust 22. 1801. 
His mother was Caroline (Olmstead) ru]>per. 'I'heN' came from Cenesee 
county, Xew York, to Genesee count}-, Michigan, in August. 183 1, and settled 
in Cirand Blanc township. They li\-ed liere, ho\ve\er, liut a short time, and 
then removed to what is now Burton township, two miles south of hdint, 
where they made their home for se\eral }'ears. While living at the latter 
l)lace the wife and mother died. Mr. Tuijper later removed to Flint, making 
his home for some time on Detroit street. Later he removed to the country 
again and ended liis days on the farm on l-'enton road in Flint township iu 
1869. The family of children were three in nuniher, viz., lietsew Theodore 
M.. and (iarwdod. I heodore was horn m .Monroe coitntx. Xew York. De- 
cemljer 2"/, 1831, and was an infant w lien his parents came to (ienesee countv. 
Michigan, and conse<|uentlv is one of the \ er\- oldest settlers of the count\'. 
He has always li\-ed in the county ;nid has fipuiul o])portnnitv to apjilv himself 
to many and various occupations. 

In i8f)_' he enlisted in Companv ( ', Twenly-thii'd .Michigan X'olunteer 
Infantry, and for three years he faced the dangers and exposures of heroic 
service in defense of the flag. He was in the ;irmv of tlie Cumberlaufl and 



92 BIOCRAPHK'AL HJSTOm' 

took part in many Of tlie most bitter and lititl\- contested conflicts of the war. 
.Vlthongh the trials and disconragements of this (h'eadfnl carnage were severe 
in tlie extreme, Mr. Tupper ne\-er fahered for a niument. and miw has unlv 
a feeling of pride fi:)r ha\ing contributed his part in keeping intact the "stars 
and stripes." He is a member of the General C rapo I'nst. (irand Armv nf the 
Republic, and a National Leaguer. 

He was married in Burtnn tnwnship .March jj, iSOo. to Miss Edna 
Wells, who was born in Cra\vfiird county. Penns}"lvania, December 20. 1839. 
She was the daughter of Hewis and Sarah (Long) Wells, who came from 
Crawford county, Lennsyhania, to (lenesee county, Michigan, in early days, 
and settled in b'lint to\\'nship, where they ended their days, Mr. Wells 
haxing attained the age of se\-enty-nine _\-ears, while Mrs. Wells died at the 
age of se\'ent}'-se\en years. Their famih' consisted uf ti\e children, nf wh(_im 
Mrs. Tupper was the fourth, .^he \\as si.xteen years old when her parents 
came to (ienesee county. 

After their marriage i\lr. and Mrs. Tupper settle<l on a farm in Flint 
tiiwnship, remaining there about two years. Lollowing this, the\' removed 
to Cla}'ton tiiwnship. where [Ikv remained fur a luimber uf ^•ears. com- 
ing finall}- to hdint. They are the parents of li\-e children, as fullows: Sarah 
has become the wife of C'nrwin Storer: Xellie died when about t\\ent\--one 
years old; Minnie is the wife i>f George Sjjaulding; the other two are Arthur 
and Early, 

The Tu])per homestead is noted for its cimgenial and social atmosphere, 
ruid the many friends find there at all times a genuine and heart^' welcome. 

Mrs. Ester (Ireen, whi.) was the sister of Mr. Trupper's father, and aunt of 
our subject, was the lirst white person who died in Genesee county and was 
bm-ied Ijy the Indians. 



GEXESEE COl'XTN-. M U 1 1 1( ,.\.\. 93 

'I'iK )M AS l)( )\\A-:. 

Durins^- the nineteenih ccnlur\- wlicii L-ini.s^ralinn in America fnun Euiupe 
was rinwins' in ;i steady stream, tlieix- came to dui" slmres a jL^inMlly ])ri ipDviicin 
(it liljertv-lnvinj^- smis and daii,i;lucrs nf the '■I'jiierald i>le.'" Aniunt;' these 
were the parents of one of (ienesee county's steady citizens. Mr. t'hrislopher 
I )o\le, who came from Ireland to America wlien (piite a youn.i; hoy, niakin<i- his 
home witli Georg'e M. Dewey until he reached his ni:iturity. lie en,^a,ued in 
earl\- life in the lumher husine>s on a small scale, later i^oint;- into the frei.ii'ht 
transportation trafhc. which jireceded the days of railroads and was still 
employed at this occu])ation at the time of liis death, which occurred at the 
age of thirt\-two. His wife. Alice (iillespie. horn also in Ireland, was the 
daughter of I'atricl-; ( iilles[)ie. who came to (ienesee county as earl\- as 1836. 
She sur\-i\'ed her husliand several years, and was the mother of four sons, 
Thomas. James. John and (_'hristoj)hcr. 

'llKjmas, the stihject of our sketch, was h(.)rii in Mint Oclohcr u. 185^. 
lie was brought up here and was etlucated in the local .schools. \\ hen man- 
hood was reached he engaged in the lumher husiness. continuing therein until 
ahout 1XS7. winning for himself the respect and confidence of all with whom 
he came in contact. He as.sociated him.self with the Idint r.<Mim L'ompany 
as general superintendent, retaining this connection dm-ing the life of the 
company. 

In the meantime he extended his interests hy investing in t'arm land in 
h'lini and Mt. Morris townshi])s. hiU also retained his active commercial re- 
latit)ns h\ engaging in the coal husiness. The .schoolhoiise erected on Xorth 
Sa.ginaw street has been given the name of the Doyle schonlliouse. He has 
taken a lively interest in educational affairs and has been an ardent stip- 
porter of the cause of education in the community. Keco.gnizing his \alue 
and de\otion to this phase of civic life, his fellow citizens have placed him for 
ten successive rears on tlie hoard ot education. 

He has also served for three _\ears on the board of aldermen of |-'lint. 
taking always a fair and im])artial \'iew of matters submitted to that body. 

.Mr, l)o\lc was married at .\nn .\rbor. .Michigan, in January. 1S79. His 
chosen companiiiu was Miss I'.llen (i.anson. who was born and raised in 
Genesee county. Their union has been Ijlessed with six children, but it was 
not decreed that all of them should li\-e. Three of these died in infancw 



94 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

but the other three are spared U> brit^liten the home and fireside. They are 
Ambrosia, Helen, and Thomas. Mr. Doyle takes a Hvely interest in the 
questions of the da}-, keeping liimself weH ini'nrmed in aU matters pertain- 
ing the welfare of the community, the state, and the countr\-. He has 
advocated and li\ed according to the policy that nothing is settled until it is 
settled right. 



ARTHUR O. ^.LT^iR. 



Air. Arthur O. Burr is not a native "'W oherine." but was Ijorn in 
Xew York state April 18. 1847. His parents were also natives of the "Em- 
pire state." His father, who was the son of the noted Lvman Burr, of Con- 
necticut, was born on August 2. 1822. He f<illoweil the occupation of farm- 
ing and died in April. Tgo6. His mother, whose maiden name was Cassandra 
Gerry, was bom on August 26, 1822, in \\"}-oming- county, Xew York, and 
died there in April, 1901. Their faniil_\- consisted of six children. \'iz., Helen, 
Arthur O., Martha, Roclyn, Alida and Stanley. 

Arthur was the eldest of the family and his youthful days, up to the 
age of twenty, were spent on the farm, where he learned the rugged lessons 
of the problems of the soil, and developed the spirit of perseverance and self- 
reliance that have characterized his after life. In October, 1867, he itjined 
the tide of emigration westward and drifted to Cienesee ci;iunt\'. Michigan. 
After teaching school in this locality for a short time, he returned to the 
parental home in York state, remaining there for about one year, after which 
he returned to Genesee county. At this time he entered the Flint high school 
anxl attended it for one term. He then took up wurk in the meat business, and 
followed this for a short time, working with his uncle. Alanson Burr, at Mt. 
Alorris. Following this he engaged in farming in Genesee township, abandon- 
ing that occupation in 1876, coming" from there to Flint. He made his home 
in what is now the third ward, engaging at the same time in gardening. Tw'O 
} ears later he mo\ed to his present residence. He has a tract of abou: 
twenty-fi\"e acres, upon wliich he has erected good buildings. He has en- 
gaged in gardening and has developed the science to a high degree of per- 
fection. He has learned the art of securing a fine product, as well as olitain- 



GENESEE COIN ^^•. .MICIIK.AX. 95 

ing an ample yield fnun the soil, lie can slmw as fine s|X'cimcns of garden 
trnck as are to be seen in the markets ot the city. 

He was married in (lenesee county, (lenesee townshi]). September 20, 
1S70. to Miss Mary K. Simons, who was horn there .March 28. 1852. She 
was the dauijhter of Joseph Simons. Mne of the ])ioneer settlers of the county, 
having' .settled here in 1837. ri)on his arri\al he purchased a forty-acre 
tract of wild land, upon which he built a log cabin for his home, lie cleared 
and improved the land and farmed it until his death in 1887, having ac(|uired 
the age of sixt}--nine }ears. lie was a deepl_\- religious man and an active 
worker in the Mt. Morris Methodist l^jiiscopal church. 

^Irs. Burr's mother's maiden name was Eunice Damon. .She was a 
native of T-ivingston countv. Xcw ^"ork. and died at the Burr homestead in 
the latter part of januarv. i<)()i. having attained the age of seventy-three 
vears. Besides Mrs. llurr there were two other children, viz.. Charles 1.. and 
Ella E. IMrs. Burr was reared at the Simons homestead in C.euesee county. 
Since her marriage to Mr. I'.urr ^he has borne four children — Xellie M. is 
the wife of Walter S. Cudaback : .\rchte died in infancy; bdoyd L. is a mining 
engineer: Charles J. is associated with his father in the gardening occupa- 
tion, and tliev lia\e succeeded in making an attractive area out ol their tract 
of land. Those children that reached maltu-ity were given the advantages of 
the l-dint high school. The mother is active in Sunday school work and an 
efficient heljier in all the activities of the Methodist Episco])al church. Their 
home shows not onlv energy and thrift, but has also an atmosphere of whole- 
some piety. 




HOX. GEORCE .M. CL'RTIS. 



In iN.v I'lirton tDwnship was alnmst a \'irgin wilderness, there being Ijut 
line <ir two settlers within its domain at that time. These were Peres Atherton 
and James Ingall. But a newly married couple irnm the east then arri\-ed 
to tr\' the realities of pioneer life. IHiey were the parents of (ieeirge M. 
Ciu-tis, the sul)ject of our sketch. His father, Asahel Curtis, was a nati\'e of 
the "Kevstone state," while his mother, whose maiden name was Mariah J. 
Conox'er, was horn in Connecticut. Tliex- came to (jenesee count\- directly 
from Orleans count}", Xew ^ ork. 

Their experience upon their arri\al in these parts forms one of the true 
pictures oi the pioneer life of the times that make such an interesting- chap- 
ter, nav. \-olume in eiur country's history, ;\Ir, Curtis brought a team with 
him. coming from Buffalo to Detroit l)y way of the lakes. He had to cut 
his road through the timber to his destination, arriving here in 1837, and pur- 
chased wild land at $7 per acre. He built his own log cabin, the one in 
which (ieorge W. was born on January 4. 1843. Later they built a frame 
structure, in which thev li\ed their busy and active life. l)oth attaining the 
age of seventy-three years. 

George's father was an active Democrat, thoroughly interested in public 
matters, being for a number of )ears a justice of the peace, hi the latter 



(•■i-:\i-:si-'.i: (■()i'\T\ . muiik.ax. 97 

capacitx' lie perlnniied mam inarriaije ccTcniciuics. always takins^' ijreat ])lcas- 
ure in '"txiiiii' the kiint. " Main- tiials als i were hmusilit before him as trilntnal. 
;jreal eniitidenee heins;^' fell iii his im])arlial attitude and hii4h sense of fair 
])Iav and I'listice. lie was instrumental in orsi'auizint;' the Couijregational 
clnu'cli in what was known as the liurlon sehoolhonse, whieli eongresjation 
has since come to Mint. ( )f the three sons horn to the ])arents. two !ia\'e 
since died. Hewitt cleared and operateil a farm near Chicatio. and reached 
the age of se\enl\-t\vo \ears. I.eserett !■-. was unmarried and lollowcd the 
jeweler's trade. de])artiiig this lit'e at Dallas, Te.xas, after attaining the age 
of si.xt\'-fom- \ears. 

(ieorge .M. s])ent his l)o\'Iioo(l da\'S at home, gaining xaluuhle experience 
ill subduing the forest and tilling the soil. I le attended school in the little log 
schoolhouse with its primitive benches and meager ei|ui])ment — str<ing fac- 
tors, liowever. in ])romoting self-reliance and sterling inde])endence. I ater 
he attended the I'nion school in Mint. ca])ping this with a course ui the .\or- 
mal school at ^ ])>ilanti. .Michigan, in this wa\- preparing himself thoroughl}' 
for his Work as a teacher, and also la^■ing■ a broad foundation for the sterner 
problems of life before him. lie began teaching at the age of nineteen, and 
for ten years taught successfully in the district schools of the county. li\-ing 
on the tarm in the meantime and assuming tlic full res[)onsibilit\' of its direc- 
tion. .\fter his father's death he bought the full interest in the farm, later dis- 
pcising of it and re-in\'esting in another farm of ninet\-two and a half acres, 
known as the i'arker liomestead. This f.arm has been managed with great 
skill and foresight, resulting in thorough drainage, nioclern l)iiildings, consist- 
ing of M substantial and comniixlidus bank barn, as well as other buildings and 
conveniences. In fact, so thorough and energetic has been his work that this 
farm ranks as one of the verv best in the townshij). 

It is usually the case with men of a ])rogressi\e and alert temperament 
that they specialize in certain lines. .Mr. Curtis has devoted his special atten- 
tion to the breeding of high grade stock, realizing that in this wa\- he could 
not onl\- gratify his innate lo\e for ex])eriment and im])ro\-ement. but also 
contribute toward the adxancement and progress of the agricultural interests 
of the county. ( )n his farm were to be found some of the best spcimens of 
rercheron horses, a breed of draft horses originating in I 'erche. a district 
of !• ranee. lie has exhibited as many ,as nine horses at one time at the fairs, 
and when doing so would take away nine winning cards, the ])remiums usurdh' 
7 



98 BKKiUAI'lllc'AL lllSTORV 

hein.q- the highest offered Sliee]) l^reeding alsn receix-ed a ci:/nsi(leni1)1e share 
(if his attention. Speciah'zing chiefly in Sliropshire breeih he achiex'ed great suc- 
cess in this line also, lie sold nian\- tine breeding animals and has lioen a 
most i)otent factni- in jii'mni iting a spirit in the eiiunt\- for a ])etter and higher 
grade (it dduiestic animals. .\s a ix'sult i<\ this there has come to he in the 
count}' a higher grade nf stock generally, and ( ienesee countx' nnw has a 
reputatidii (in tliis score which is almost second tn nunc in the state. 

.Mr. L'urtis' intimate km i\\ ledge nf agricultural affairs and his deep in- 
terest in the ]>r(igress of this indnstr\' have resulted in his identification 
with tile C(lunt^■ .\gricnltura] Societx', of wliicli for nian\ xears lie was a 
director. In icS()S, nu account of failing health, he ga\ e up acti\e farm work 
and reuiiwed to Idint. where he has since resided. 

Ahliongh an educator ni his time, and an expert lu stock raising. Mr. 
Curtis has had hiMader inlerest^- still. .\s before stated, his father was an 
actixe Democrat, but ( ieorge was too original and independent to follow in 
the ])aternal path, and broke awa\- eirh' in life, identifying himself with the 
Republicans of his \icinit\. .\s r^ to be expected from a man of his t\pe, 
he was repL^atedh' called upon to ^^er\e his fellow citizens in an official capacitx', 
holding at dil'ferent times such jilaces as school inspector, treasurer, township 
clerk, and su])er\isor. More dislingnislied. ho\\e\er. than all of these were 
his services in the slate legislature, whither he was seiU for two successive 
terms, namdw the sessions of !8y_'^ and 181)5. While here he reflected great 
credit on his constituents li\- means of his aggressixe s|)irit. being placed as 
he was on several imp aaant committees. lie was made cliairnian of the 
committee on the School of .Mines, lie was originally o])posed to tliis school. 
Init after a visit of ins]iection he reversed his views and endorsed it. inasmuch 
as its graduates found no difticultv whatever in securing immediate employ- 
ment, lie served also in the agricultural committee, rendering here \ery 
efficient service, owing to knowledge and experience. On the farmers' commit- 
tee he .acted as chairman. ac(|uitting himself here also w ith his customary credit. 

Since coming to I'lint. though practically retired, he has served for four 
rears ;is the supervisor of the second ward. Iiually resigning, bor eight years 
he has been tirst treasurer and then ]ii"esi<lent of the (ienesee County Mutual 
Insm"ance Com])an\'. of which his father was one of the organizers, dis- 
charo'ing his duties with eminent abilitx" and satisfaction, the as.sessments 



GEXESEl': COLXn, AIICHK.AX. 99 

Ijeins' ciiniparatiNel}' lii^lu. pnivin,!;- Imtli forcsiiniit and cfi iiii>niy in its nian- 
aycnicnt. 

In 1N75 Air. Curtis was jciincd in wc'illnck to an al)1e tcaclier of Lapeer 
county. Miss .\l\ira Al. Harris, whose- ])arcnts were also pioneers of the 
state, licr tathei", Al.anson Harris, was a n;iti\e of Xew N'ork, and after set- 
thnj^- in Al ichiiLjan, assisted in locatin.t;- the ea])ital of the state at Hrnisiut;-. Her 
mother was a native of A'ernioni. One of her hrothers, Harrison, of Mata- 
nmra, is ei,!.;lity-one years old. and, according to the Detroit Free Press, has 
\dted ninety-one times, and is one of the best presen'ed men in Lapeer county. 
Another brother, I'.yron. has his home at AI;L\\ille, in Tuscola countx'. 

^Nlabella, the dau.ghter of Mr. ;ind Airs. Curtis, is well on her way to 
graduation in the Flint schools. The frmiily are regular attendants of St. 
Paurs E])iscopal church, and are aliw to all matters that I'oncern the welfare 
of the citw 




(;e()1>:(;f, e. a[cKIXLey. 



(leorge E. Mckinle}-. present niayur nf Mint, like main- another staunch 
American, traces liis ancestry Ijack to the "limerald isle." 

The sul)ject of our hiograpln- wasliorn in Mint mt August 12. 1X71. He 
grew u]) in the tuwn nf his hirth. and was educated in the local schmils. He 
was a hny of steatly habits and applied himself closeh' tn whatever he under- 
took to do. As he approached manhood he realized the necessity of taking up 
a definite occupation, and learned the cigar maker's trade as an apprentice 
witli (ieorge i\ Warren, .\fter 1>ecnming" prohcient at his work and lia\ing" 
ol)tained a thnrciugh knowledge (if the trade and its attendant problems, he 
decided tn gi 1 into Ijusiness, and in com])an\- with Patrick Ryan entered 
acti\'el_\- int<i the field. His business insight and energetic metlrnds soon set 
on font a large \-iilume of trade. Patronage came on e\er\- side, and ere long 
a good!}- force of employes was needed to supply the demand, although it had 
seemed at first that the opportunities were more or less restricted. In the 
business training thus afiforded it l)ecame ap]:)arent that he possessed not (inl_\- 
foresight, Ijut aliility to get along with and tn mingle with men. He was 
(|uick in estimating obstacles as the)' would arise, and his genius enabled him 
tn handle them carefully and intelligenth'. 

His circle of acquaintances widened and his man\ friends in the first 



(;i':xi':sF.i!: corx r>. MiciiKiAX. loi 

\\;inl |)iT\ ailed U]nn] him to serve tlieni as aldfrnian fmni their ward. He 
ci.'iisciucd and fur six years rendered c iinnieiidal)le and acceptahle service in 
tliat capacity. This e.xjjcrience pmved tiiat he lias a thnniu,<j-h understanding 
111' tlie pcdple. ilc re\ealed a broad ijras]) nf municipal pruhlcms and awak- 
eneil CMnlidcncc in his execvuive as well as administrative ahilitw During 
tliese years his ])upularity was steadily increasing, and cnilminated finally in 
his ni)ininatinu hy tlie Democratic party for the oHice of mayor in iQof). After 
his election and entrance into the highest oftice of trust afforded bv the city, 
he set himself about to aihance the interests of the couimunit}' in e\ery possible 
\vay. 

The i)roblems of the city government are among the most perplexing of 
any to be met. The needs are great on every hand. ( )n the one side there is 
always a progressi\-e element who want adxancement and up-to-date improve- 
meiUs in \arious lines. ( )n the other hand there is the conser\ative element 
who ad\dcate letting well enough alone, llow' to bring the two together, 
satisfy l)oth, and yet get something acconi])lished foims the problem to face, 
lo this task Mayor .McKinle}' resoluleh' addressed himself. How well he 
succeeded is told by the \erdict of his i-e-election in \')(.'>j. 

I he ma_\-or has manifested an aggressive s])int for improvement and 
;id\aucement along all lines. His policv is that the best is none too gootl for 
the people. He has fearlessly gra]ipled the street improvement ])roblem, tak- 
ing the stand that clean. well-ke])t. autl well-impro\-ed streets not oulv make' 
a city more sanitary, but also make it more attractive as a place of residence; 
hence the town as a whole will reap great benetit from this ])hase of ci\ic policv. 
1 he new cit\' hall, which is being built under his administration, will stand 
as a monument to his progressiveness. 

'■.\ wealthy and progressive commnnit\." sa\s Mavor .McKinlev. "should 
ha\e city otiices and business dep.artments in (piarters that are fulh- commen- 
surate with the dignity and the imjiortauce of the cit\'s growing needs." This 
hall will ])robably cost in the aggregate a sum a])proaching $100,000. 

The mayor has also taken an actix'e intei'est in the citv sewage question, 
\'iewing it mainh' from the sauitarx' standpoint. This is a ]iroblem that has 
been \ex;itious to city authorities on e\er_\- hand, the i|uestions of cost and 
disposal calling forth an endless \-ariet\' of ])ropositions. The subject of good 
sidewalks has also receixed its share of attention. ;md im|)ro\ ements in that 
line liave been jiushed with \igor. 



I02 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

The fire department is also an important factor in presen-ing the safety 
and welfare of life and property. The city of l^'lint now has four stations, 
employs seventeen men, and has up-to-date and well-equipped apparatus. 
Good insurance rates are much more easily oljtained when the facilities for 
comhating fire are adequate. The tijne of the police department is most 
excellent, reducing the number of law ^■iolations considerably, thus ren- 
dering the cit}' both safe and attractive. The public parks are being made 
places of beauty and of artistic e.xcellence. The best skill available is being 
employed tn make the cit}' "beautiful, ciimplete. and clean." 

'Sir. ^IcKinlev was married on Xovemtier 2(t. 1891. to ]Miss Henrietta 
E. Lane, of Detroit, who has proved to be a most charming helpmeet to her 
husband, ami has won for herself an enviable host of friends. The mayor 
has also found time, though comparativel}- young in years, to identify him- 
self with man}- of the best lodges of the day, being a member of the IMasons, 
Eagles, Elks. Knights of Pythias, and the Alodern ^^'oodmen. 

Though all ]McKinle}"s cannot be Presidents of the United States, as 
Major William AIcKinley was. }'et George E. ]\IcKinley has demonstrated 
that the\- ma\'. in their o\vn part of the conimnnwealth, live up ti.i their 
ideals as nnbh' as ilid the nolile and belo\"ed martvred President of our nation. 




DAX1J-:L ]_). PRATT. 



Mr. Daniel I). I'ratt. aimtlifr nt I'lint's alile and respected citizens, is a 
descendant fr-ini New \ nvk ancestrx'. I lis parents. Lri and Al;n-\- ( Iistes) 
I'ratt. Imtli came I'roni llrDdnic cnnnty. .^\c\\ ^'l^•k. to ( ienesee count}'. 
Michi,t;an, in 1S50 and settleil in what is n^w liurlnn tnwnslnp. Tlie\- t'Hik 
uj) the usual task of clearing' and puttint^' into Ijetter shape a tract of land, 
and for many \'ears occupied theniselves \'er\' conipletelv at this work. The\' 
formed cono'eriial relati<)nshi])s with their nei.Q'hhors and soon hecame a much 
\'alued and highly esteemed addition to the communit\'. Ah". I'ratt sjient al- 
most all o| his davs in llurton townshij). barring' aliout four \'e:u"s. These 
four years were taken uj) with a sojourn in the state of Washington. Xot 
iinding" his aft'airs there such that he could renviin lon.ger, he returned to 
(ienesee county and finished his life's Course in the state of his adojition. .Mrs. 
I'ratt ])asscd away on .\pril j^. 18S3, at the age of si\t_\- years, while .Mr. 
I'ratt attained the age of se\'ent\' years, departin.g this life in |ul\-, \>>')^. 
They were active workers and highly esteemed memhers of the .Methodist 
Kpisco|)al church. The famih' was lu'ide U]i of two other children besides 
l)aniel. namely. I lannah and I'Tigene. but I )aniel is now the onl\- survix'ing 
member, lie was born in the countx' of llroome. Xcw Ndrk. on |ul\' iS. 1S43. 
.According' to the i)re\'ious statement, he wa> but fixe \ears old when coming 



I04 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

to this count)' with his parents. He was a wide-awake ami imlustrious l)o\-. 
and one that minified well with his playmates and friends, ile was broni^ht 
up on the farm, getting' rugged experience in the struggle with nature, hut in 
all this he profited both in knowledge and its ap|:)lication. He recei\'ed a 
good common school education, such as was afl'orded by the district schools 
of th.e time. He remained with his parents on the farm until he reached his 
}'ears of matiu"it\', and was of in\-aluuble aid to his jiarents during these vears. 
renflering them \aluahle assistance both 1)\ hard work and good counsel. 

( )n ]\la\' 27. 1868. he was married to Miss .Vuna \Z. Akners. who was 
the daughter (jf (ieorge L. and Xanc\' ( Sommers ) Myers. (Their family 
history is gi\'en in this work in the sketch headed George Mx'ers. of Burton 
townshi]^. ) JMiss Ahers was the eldest of a famih' of eight children and was 
horn in Otsego count^•. Xew N ork, on Jul\' 5. i8.|<). She came with her 
jjarents to Genesee cotuit\' about iXf)^. .\fter their uiarriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Daniel Pratt engaged for about ten }'ears in operating his father's farm in 
Hiu'ton township. His knowledge of general affairs and his business experi- 
ence led him. howe\er, to abandon acti\e farm wdi'k. and he became engaged 
in the mercantile trade at .\tlas, ( ienesee county. Here he ptit in a bus\' twehe 
years, at the conclusion of which he made a \'enture out to the state of 
Washington. \\ hile there tinder the alternateh' balm\' and cloud\' skies he 
.gra])pled with fortune b\' devoting his attention to ranching, continuing at 
this for a period of four vears. At the ex])iration of this time he came back 
to Genesee count^'. He located in hlint and opened up a first-class grocer\'. 
He has had a \'er\' conimendable trade, commands a wide patronage, and is 
still acti\'ely engaged in the work. He has been the sujierxisor of the si.xth 
ward since ii)02. and had pre\'iousl\' held township offices of x'arious kinds. 
He is an actixe worker in the Masonic order. The family's acti\'ities in church 
lines ha\e been liberal and \'aried. an<l this, coujiled with a genial social 
s])irit, has m;ide them the most desirable of citizens. 




(;i':()K(,i-: lll^.\K^■ ilrxer. 



'I'herc is ])n>l)al)l\- im cit\' of its size in the state, ntlicr than l-'lint. that 
lias nil ire ])eM])le nf >tate-\viile re])ntatiiin am! si i ni;uiy whnse i)r(iniineiice 
reaches even Ijex'imd the slate l)iirilers. AninuL; i it hers nf more than local tame 
is ( ieorg'e Henr\- Turner, connt\' assent of the stale hoard ol corrections and 
charities. The recm-il nf .Mr. Turner's career makes up an interestino' chroni- 
cle. He was horn in ."^ti ickhrid.i^e, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on Se]i- 
temher jS, 1X4(1, renioxiu!.;' to W'aterhury. Connecticut, the town of time-piece 
fame, when tweKe \ears old. Mis father. Cornelius W". 'i'urner. tooetlier 
with his mother, 1-diza .\. ( ^"oun_i;■ ) Turner, einii^ratcd later with their 
faiiiil}- to .Micliii;an. and hoth spent their remainint; days in ( ienesee county, 
his father attainini^' the at^e of ei,q'lil)-tw(> years. 

\t the aqe of sex'enteen (leorj^e heL;an to learn the cru'riaqc making' 
trade. Tli> hrnthei'. ("lark, two \-e;n's his senior, worked on the "W oherine 
Citizen." in I'onliac. Michis^an. after coniius^' west. Later he houi^ht the 
"I'oniiac ( iazette" and contiuned as its editor for thii't)- years, and still makes 
his home in that citw 

( icor^e com])lele{l his a])])renticesliip in ahout three \ears. coming;' out 
at the end of that time with onl\' his trade as capital. Shortly after this, the 
niuterinqs of the thunder of war he^an to he heard, and ere loui;' the storm 



io6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

broke (i\-er the c<iunti"^; in full furw George's patriotic Ijlood ])egan to l)iiil 
at once, and lie enlisted in the Se."i>nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Cnni- 
l)any A, which was rendez\-ousing' at Cani]) Blair. Detroit. The three nmnths" 
(|uota being tilled, this regiment was put en the three-year list, (ieorge did 
nut get into the first call, so he accepterl his discharge antl returned ti) Mint, 
where he began to work at his trade. This lasted for a short time only, as 
he c<iuld not content himself at this work while the conflict for the ]M-eserva- 
tinn of the Union was still waging. Conse(|uentl\- he enlisted again, this time 
in the h^nton (iuards, with Colonel I'TMiton as caiitain. Later he was sent to Ft. 
Wayne, where the Se\-enth Regiment was uiider drill, and was mustered in. 
After some shifting they went out tn service, and were .sent to Washington. 
Th.ev made the ocean V(jvage to Hilton Head. S^uth Carolina, and landed 
later at Beauford. same state. 'l"o trace the experiences of this company would 
make a vnhime in itself. Battle after battle, lung and exhausting marches, 
hastv campaigns with their attendant \-icissitu<les, make up the chapters (.)f this 
epoch-making era. South Mountain, Antietam, Hampton Roads, Peninsular 
Campaign, McClellan's marches, and B>urnside"s exijeditions, these are all names 
tliat.carrx- with them a meaning familiar td almost every American. After the 
acti<in at Tames Island the loss of offlcers was such that Mr. Turner was put 
in charge of Company B and led that compan\- at South Mountain and also 
at Antietam. Later he was made first lieutenant of I onipany K. and afterward 
was mustered out of the ser\ice, ha\ ing broken down in health to such an 
extent as to unht him for further duties in the cause. It may be of interest 
to mention that while stationed at Beauford. South Carolina, he was sent home 
to aid in mustering up recruits, and was instrumental in sending to the front 
twentv-iive or thirv men who entered various companies throughout the 
territory. 

I'pon returning home after being mustered out. he assumed direction of a 
photograph gallery at Pontiac. where his brother, as above mentioned, pub- 
lished the "Gazette." Later he bought the old slio]) in Flint in which he had 
learned his trade.. For the next year he coiUinued business at this k^ication, 
which was on Saginaw street, opposite the present cit}- hall. Close attention 
to business and conscientious work-manshi]) soon drew a suljstantial trade, 
making it necessary for him to em]>lo\- a goodly numl)er of men. It is said 
that he put up in his shop more wagons than any other manufacturer of the 
kind in this region. He continued at this location until 1887. He became 



GEXESEE COL'XI^. M Kl I K .AX. 107 

the p.'itfutc'c ni what was kiinwn as tlie truss rod. 'I'liis nid is mic that is 
placed under the axle in such a wu}' as to greatly re-cnl'orce the strength of 
the axle Usell'. Later John Algo became a partner in the patent, and it finally 
was turned o\er to the Jackson \\'agon W <irks, remaining in their possession 
until its expiration. Mr. Turnei-'s Ijirsiness always recei\eil his nudixided 
persi.inal attentii 'U. 

r.ut, while engrossed with the numerous duties of his xncalion. .Mr. 
1 nrnei' \\a-> not inditlerent to his ol)ligatious as a citizen, and consentetl to 
ser\e on the hoard ol aldermen. I'urlher, while in the council he was instru- 
mental in securing the pa\ing of Saginaw street with cedar blocks from 
I-'iftli street to the bridge, and was at all times a chaiui)ion of improxements. 

I'nder (Io\-ernor .\lger he was ai)])ointed oil in.spector and ser\-cd in this 
ca])acil_\- a total time of about t\\e and one-lr.df years. In this work he cov- 
ered the entire thirteenth oil district, embi-acing the counties of Genesee, 
Lapeer. Shiawassee and Livingst(in. b'or tw eiU\-t\\(i \-ears he has been countv 
agent for the state board of corrections and charities. His long term of 
service at this ])ost is liut a compliment to his devotion aiid interest in the 
prosecution of the incumlienl duties. Perhaps it is in this work that some 
of his strongest characteristics ba\e become evident. Such an agent is ap- 
]3ointed in each stale, and bis duties consist largel\- in placing children from 
the state institutions into suitable homes throughout the state. The institu- 
tions just mentioned are such as the state school at L'oldwater. the in- 
dustrial school at Adrian, and alsci the one at Lansing. Mr. Turner has made 
rm enxiable record, having to bis credit more children ])laced in homes than 
any other agent. In doing this it has not been his ru'm at all to excel anv one 
else, but the results have come from his deep love for the work and his active 
interest in the lives and destinies of those who lack the hallowed influence of a 
gootl, clean, wholesome, uplifting home atmosphere. In sha])ing and molding 
the tender characters of these children the fruits of bis lal)ors are becoming 
more and more apparent as tlie wings of time swing steadilv on. He keeps 
constantly in touch with the children, and in this w riy has seen man\' a boy de- 
velop into a sturd\- and manly citizen. Ihe cash remuneration for this work is 
extremely small, but his pleasure is not measm-ed h\' dollru-s and cents, but 
rather by a feeling of jo)- that comes from I'ollowing the example of llim, 
who, while on earth, "went about doing good." 

.Mr. Turner is an .active .Mason also, and is a kwal member of the Cirand 



io8 rUOCR.VPHICAL HISTORY 

.\rni}- of tlie ive]ni!)lic. He is acti\-e in church work. h;i\in.i;- l>eeii ;i nu'inljer 
in some official capacit\- for tliirt\-h\e \ears. 

On June u, 1867. at I'ontiac. Michi.i^an, he was united in marriage to 
Aliss Sarah E. Scott, of tliat city. She, too, is an active worker in the AFeth- 
odist Episcopal churcli. Their family consisted of W'ilham J.., wlio ihed in 
Eh'nt, at the age of twenty-se\ en ; Margaret, wife of James Jjuclianan, of 
Chicago; Augusta, a gra(hiate of the Cliicago Art Institute, class of \')oy: and 
Erank S., assistant cashier and teller in the I-dint National liank. 

This brings us to the close of the summary of a well rounded character. 
Mr. 1 urner's xaried interests and acti\'ities ha\'e revealed a manv-sided nature. 
As a patriot he left home and friends and faced death on the field of battle. 
In following his trade he placed him>elf in line and in harmonx' with the 
industrial masses of the countr)-. As an in\entor he has shown his leadership: 
as a citizen, ))oth progressix'e and conser\-ati\'e ; as a philanthropist, far- 
sighted, self-sacrificing- and altruistic: as a member of tlie church militant, 
alwa}'s abounding in good works: as a father, with "children, like olixe i)lants, 
roundabout his tal)le." 

"He that goeth forth and wee])eth. lieru'ing precious seed, shall doubtless 
come again with rejoicing, bringing his shea\'es with him." 




JOMX C. /.I.MAli'.U.MAX. 



Another descendant nt stunK' (lerninn anceslr\- is the fearless sheriff of 
( icnesee ci innty, .Mi", jnhn ('. Zinmiernian. His ])arents were h ihn and I'diza- 
heth ( Dietx ) Zininiei'man. Imth nati\es nf ( icrnianw 'rhe\ eame In ( ienesee 
ei>unt\' in 1X53. and Mr. Ziniinernian \va.-> eIl,^■a.^■ed for a great nian\- \ears in 
the niannfaetni'e (if liriek. Their faniil\- consisted nf se\en chiKhen, ni wlinni 
jnhn C was tlie secimd. I le was Ijurn in I'lint cm ( )et(iber 15. 1N63. He was 
reare<l in tliat city and receixed his edncalinn in the cit\- scliools. .\s a Ijov 
he was nidnstrii>ns ami obedient, and his scIkh il life was acti\-e and \-ig()i-()us. 
lie was always a good nii.xer and as he grew In nianlKnid these traits niani- 
tested theinseKes in his manifold ]iul)lu- activities. He wurkecl for his father 
in the hrick business, and was for sexenteen years engaged in brick in.anu- 
lacturing for himself. 

He was mai'ried in I'lint on .Xpi'il 30, iSiji. to .Miss Mar\- ( iraiU. who 
was also born in (ienesee county. .She was the daughter of ( ieorg'e and 
bdizabeth I llaight ) (irant. Mr. ( inmt emigr.ated to the I'nited .'^lates from 
his nati\ e sl.ate in ( ';ni;iila. 

-Mr. and .Mr^. /.immerman are the |iareiit- of ;i he.althv and robust familv. 
The}' are: .May, John W'., liernice, and Doroth}-. Thev take great pride 



no BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

ill tlieir children, and have spared no pains in bringing them ui) to make 
them rehable and inteUigent meml)ers of tlie community. 

John C. Zimmerman's courageous and impartial attitude lias won for 
!n'm the confidence of the people, and tliis resulted in his election to the office 
of county sheriff in 1904. That his ser\'ices met with the endorsement of the 
pe(jple is verified by the fact that he was re-elected to the place in iijor). He is 
a memlier of the INIasonic fraternity and has the hearty good will of a host of 
friends. [Mr. Zimmerman has impressed himself upon the people as a man 
of firin comictions and courageous temperament. He has shown a knack 
for e.xecuti\e and administrative aft'airs, and a glance at the record of Flint's 
public men re\-ea1s to us the fact that IMr. Zimmerman has serxed the people 
well and faithfully. Mr. John Zimmerman, father of our subject, was ma\or 
of hdint for two terms and transacted the business affairs of the city with a 
marked degree of efficienc}-. He discharged the duties of his office without 
fear or favor. In addition to the above he was asked repeatedly by his constitu- 
ents to act as alderman, and for seven years he carried on the duties of this 
place of trust. He was an energetic and efficient party worker in the Re- 
publican ranks, and rendered unlimited ser\ice. which was at all times fair 
and honest. 




LAh AM'.TTE THOMI'SOX. 



Lafayette !liiini])S(in was Imni in Sclnivler ci iuiit\ , Xew \'(irk. Sei)teni- 
her 3. 1SJ4. At'ter the deatli of liis father, Bradley 'riionipsiin, which nc- 
ciirreil wlieii Lalayette was ahoiit six years nf a.Lje. the l)ii\- went tn hve with 
an (ilder l)r(ither in I'ennsyhania. Later, in 1S30. he, with his mother and a 
l)rotlier-iii-law , Air. Heiir\' W . Cooper, came to .Miclii,t;an. arrix'in^" at Detroit 
h_\- steamer from IJnffalo. hrom Detroit the\- dro\e to J'enton, reaching' this 
])oint early in June of that \ear. Other memhers of the Thompson famih' 
were intimately connected with the pioneer industries of lliis \icinity. Henry 
Thompson came to l-'enton and erected his own home there in iS^fi. Earlier 
he and his hrother hiiilt the first frame house in (irand I'.lanc (in iS,i5). 
'1 hey, with another associate, also established a iLjdod saw and ,£;rist mill at 
Linden. Ilenr}' ilied at I'enton later. The other hrother, Claudius, wa.s 
elected sheritl of (ienesee count\ in iSdo, and was in many ways a useful 
citizen in tlie communit}'. lie died in April. iNXi), at the age of seyenty- 
ti\-e years. Lydia Thom])son, a sister, was manaed to James Ball, a mill- 
writjht, who had al>o huilt the lirst saw nrill in Linden. While huildins^' a 
mill in Shiawassee ciiunt\- in iN,V> he met there his tintimeh- death. Owing' to 
an insecure foothold he sli|)])ed and fell to the ground, sustaining a broken 
neck. His retiiains were the first to he huried in Linden ceiiieter\-. 

Lafa_\'ette. altei- liis arrival, began farm wurk, plowing with \oke cattle. 
;nid making himself useful, receixing about ten dollars ])er month as wa,ges. 
In iN_:^j ho bought an nnim])ro\-ed ]iiece of land on the Livingston county 
line, five miles west of benton. Here he ap])lied himself diligently to his 
work, remaining on the place till i8<)0. Mr. 'fhompson knows In- bis (pwn 



112 BIOGRAPHICAI. IIISIX^RV 

experience on this farm what it nie-ins to dig his own wax . He went into 
tleht tor a part of the farm at the start, worked for the neit^hbors to get seed 
for the tields. bnih the needed improvements, and by ihnt of hard effort 
turned it into a first-class fann in every particular, hnallv selling" it at a good 
price. After selling the farm he retired to his present home in the eastern 
part of Fenton. Though not a politician Mr. 'Ihompson has ilecideil con- 
victions on the questions of the day, and has affiliated with the Republican 
party in the past. He has also been alive to his obligations to the religious 
neeils of Iiimself and community, having" been an active class leader in the 
Methodist church at Linden for over thirty years. 

Mr. Thompson was married one mile north of Fenton to Miss Mary 
Lathrop Chipman. who. with her parents, came west from \ennont and set- 
tled here in 1841. Later, in 1840. her father was attacked with typhoid fever, 
and. as the doctors of that day were not so skilled in combating this disease, 
he succumbed to his fate Her mother lived till 1897, having reached the age 
of eighty-eight years. 

Mrs. Thompson departeil this life on April 30. 1907, having been 
married sixty-two years. She was bom on March 30. 1828, ami tlmnigh- 
out her days was a great lo\"er of flowers. Her h^mie was brightened 
all the year round with sweet-scented, beautifiUh colored flowers of almost 
every variety. She was also a highlv esteemed member of the Methodist 
church. 

The son. Rev. l-"ayette L.. is the only child now living, three others hav- 
ing dietl. He was educated at the Northwestern University, having made 
up his mind early in life to become a minister of the "glad tidings." 

He belonged at one time to the ^Michigan Methoilist Episcopal conference, 
has been noted as a popular lecturer, was for three years in Minneapolis, and 
is now pastor of one of the prosperous Methodist churches of St. Louis. 

His career affords considerable pleasure to liis father, who is now- 
living in (luiet retirement at his home in Fenton. 




LEOXARl) ]■:. KNAPP, M. D. 



In nearly eveiy community tliere are some citizens that take the 
lead and make their "footjjrinls on the sands of time." This has been 
the case with Dr. J,, l*.. Knap]), nt h'enton. Mr. Knapp was born in Salem. 
Washtenaw couni\. .Michi.yan. .\'o\ember 24. tHj^j. His father. Mr. Miron 
I-",. Kna])p. cooper and farmer, came west with an elder brother when thir- 
teen years (jld. Later he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda M. Hall, 
who died at the age of fifty-four, while Mr. Knapy) reached the age of seventy- 
seven years. 

Leonard attended the seminary at N'psilanti. began to read medicine at 
twenty-four with a cousin. Dr. .\. S. Kna])p, having previouslv graduated 
from Eastman's National Business College at Poughkeepsie. Xew ^'ork. 
Desiring to lay as broad a f(nindation as possible, he extended his preparations 
at the Homeo])athic Hospital College at Cle\eland. and graduated there. He 
also took a course in the medical depaiimenl of the State L'ni\-ersity in 
.Michigan, lie then began to practice at Linden, coming to Fenton eight 
\t'ars later, .\lthough his grounding in the profession was alreadv broader 
than is usual. Mr. Kna])]) took a post-graduate course in a distinguished 
medical college in Xew York. de\oting special study to the eye, ear. nose and 
throat, and to the diseases ot wonien. and has had abundant i)ractice since as a 



114 bio(;rai'Hical history 

specialist in these lines. He has Ijeen a member of the State Humenijathic 
St.iciety and has kept fully ;ilireast of the times. 

But Dr. Knapp, thnu^ii verv bus\- with his large practice, has been use- 
ful in the C(imnuinit\" in dtlier \va\s as well. He has demunstrated his faith 
in the permanent ami sulistantial growth nf the town by making his invest- 
ments in cit\- pr(i])ert\', an<l has stcnd fur cleanliness, gnud sanitary condi- 
tiiins, and a wide-awake pul.)lic spirit. It is likely, hnwexer. that in his ser\ices 
as president nf the scliuul bnard he has been a must pntent factur in pro- 
moting the cit\'s welfare. ha\ing gixen his time tn U in this capacity for 
o\'er twent\- \ears. During this interim he. with the other members of the 
board, succeeded in bringing the schools u\) to such a high plane of excel- 
lence that thev ha\e become the pride of not onl}' the town and the count\". 
but of the state as well. The graduates are conceded by the examiner at the 
State Universit\' to be second to none in the state, .\lthough Dr. Knapp 
has alwa\s found time to assist in atU'ancing the highest interests (jf the 
Communit\-, he has had no time to mingle in politics, but rather followed the 
maxim of attending strictly to business. 

He chose as his companion in life Miss Melissa Ste\-ens. a normal stu- 
dent, and for some rears a teacher. Her death occurred in Jul}-, lyof), after 
almost thirt^■-seven years of happv uKirried life. She. too. \vas a person of 
rare attainments, and one who was e\'er reach" to be of ser\'ice to those aroiuid 
her. She was identified with man\- of the local societies of her sex, and 
entered full\- into the progressi\-e spirit of the communit)-. 

Doctor and Mrs. Kna|)]) were l)lessed with one daughter, I<lloise, wife 
of Dr. W. L. Slack, a successful specialist of Saginaw, and also with two 
sons. One of these. ]Mark S.. is a practicing physician at Mint. He is a 
graduate from both the literary and medical departments of the State L'ni- 
\'ersit\-. as is also the other brother. Don Dewitt. The latter is in business 
\vith his father an<l both of the sons show that the_\- lia\-e partaken of the 
]iaternal spirit. Xo doubt the good book s])eaks trul\- when it sa_\s that the 
iniquities of the parents shall be xisited upon the children, luit it seems also 
to be often just as true that the spirit of the parent, like Elijah's mantle, is 
handed down and rests upon others as a sacred legacy. 




TOHX I!E;CKIiR AXI) \\\l'E. 



'I'liis esteemed citizen of the "vehicle city" was Ijoni in Ravaria. Ger- 
man}', Januar\' jo. iJ^^^. lie was eigliteen years old when, in company with 
his brother, Jacob, lie left dernian}- to become a ])any of the stnrdy citizen- 
slii]) of the "land of the free." Mis ionriKw across the Atlantic was not in one 
of the sjjeedy ocean i^reylioiinds that now make the trip in a few days, but 
rather in one of the customary sailing \'essels of the time. He landed in Xew 
York cit_\' and then mo\ed i-n westward until he came to the "Buckeye state," 
settling in Seneca connt\-, where he remained until J 856, working out at 
various occui)ations that came to hand. In the fall of the A'ear last men- 
tioned he came to (jenesee county, Michigan, and ol.rtained emi)loyment 
in a lumber vard. !'~or two xeai's he worked not onl\" in the }ards, but also at 
such other occuiiations as o])])ortunit_\' ofiered. On January 24th he was 
united in marriage to Miss Sophia W inters, also a nati\'e of (jerman_\-, hav- 
ing been born in W nrtcmbiu'g, januar_\' 2't. 18,^4. 

.\fter his ni.arriage he ;md his wife went to Huron cotinty, Michigan, 
and purchased an eight_\-acre tract of goxernmcnt laud, this being i)ractically 
new and uncultixated soil. He applied himself industriously to the task of sub- 
duing the land, ;ind bv dint of hard work and steady a])])lication he suc- 
ceeded in bringing fort\' acres of it to a satisfactorv state of cultiv;ition and 



ii6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

pn iiluctiveness. He continued to li\c there f<ir ten }-eai"S, and made a great 
change in the land on which he Hved. At the expiration of that time he dis- 
posed (if the farm and witli liis wife and family of four children he returned 
to fienesee county, Alichigan. and settled in Flint at 1429 \\ est Cimrt street, 
where thev have since resided. He owns and ciperates a farm of fort}'-ti\-e 
acres in Flint township. 

ISeing- a man of good business judgment he was able to see opportunities 
outside nf farming, and soon formed a partnership with his brother, 
Christopher, in the manufacture of brick. The}" continued together for 
two \'ears, and then he siild out his interest t(.i his Ijrother. Shorth' after this he 
went into the same business for himself, and continued at this for several 
years, finally disposing of his plant. Fie then devoted himself exclusively 
to farming, and this has been his occuijatiim up t(.) the present time. He has 
li\"ed for fortv-five years in Flint township and is a man of excellent standing 
among his acquaintances, being not iml)- industrious and frugal, but also an 
obliging and honest neighbor, willing at all times to accommodate a friend 
or lend a helping hand to any one who ma\- desire a favor. 

]\lr. and Airs. Becker ha\'e l;)ecome the ].)a rents of five children, all of 
wIkjui are daughters. The\- take great pride in their children and use every 
endeavor to bring them up in the pathway of ^•irtue, thrift and economy. 

Minnie, the eldest, has become the \\ife of William Woodworth ; Fliza- 
lieth married Charles Burbridge. of b'lushing: Sojihia cast her lot with 
William Collins, of Flint: the next daughter in order of birth was Alary: 
following her is Sarah, who became the wife of Robert Orme, of Clayton 
township. 

During the war the family circumstances were such that Air. Becker 
could not well leave for the front, and when he was drafted he furnished a 
substitute, borrowing the money needed for the purpose. 

Air. and Airs. Becker are memljers of the Evangelical church and are 
willing helpers in its support, he haxdng been one of the trustees of the 
church for many }'ears. Air. Becker has also held for several years the office 
of commissioner of highways. 




OTTO P. GRAl'F. 



Mv. ()llM I', (iniff. super\is(.ir df (iraiul lllanc tuwiiship, Genesee coinU}-, 
-Nlicliig'an, was hum at I^xeter. Miinrne cnuiity. Miclii.ijan. AEarcli ii. t88o. 
His father, Henry ]\I. Graff, was a native of Niagara cuunty, Xew York, and 
his mother of Erie connty, the same state. 1"liey came to Micliigan in 1872 
and settled in ^hlnrlle county, where the_\- continued to live nntil 1883, at 
whii'h time thev removed to (Irand Illanc township, where they lia\'e since 
resided J he\' are stead}', congenial people, and are held in high esteem 
bv neighliors and friends. Three children ha\e been horn to them, consist- 
ing of Elizabeth. Jacob .\., and ( )tto. 

Otto was three rears old when he came with his parents t(T (irand Blanc 
township. He was re;ired to manhood mi the ]iarental homstead. being 
tr;iined and ilisci])Iined by the ardnons tasks of life on this farm, and has lived 
continuoush- in the township. He was an acti\e and energetic boy, and one 
who did not shirk from the ta.sks that fell to his lot. He was educated in 
the common schools of the community and apjjlieil himself assiduouslv to his 
studies. At the age of sixteen he entered the I'lint X'ormal school, taking a 
two years' course, and followed this with one year at the T'"enton Xormal. 
Being am]ilv (|ualificd. he entered the jirofession of teaching, and for seven 



ii8 }uo(;raphical history 

years was engaged at that work in Grand Blanc and Alundy townships. 
He was held in high esteem l)y the patrons of the districts in which he taught. 
For four years he has school ins])ector for ( Irand Blanc township, and dur- 
ing this time pro\-erl an eflicient and helpful factor in the educational ad- 
vancement of the communities under his jurisdiction. He took a firm stand 
for improved and modern a])])aratns and recommended raising the standard 
of teaching methods. I"or twn \'ears he was a member of the school Ijoard. 
and in the spring of igo() was elected supervisor i)f (irand Blanc township, 
being re-elected in the spring of 1907. 

Kyev since reaching his majority he has taken an active interest in all 
public aftairs, and has made a favorable imjiression on all his friends b\- his 
hustle and energy. He is a Republican in politics. He is wide-awake ti* his 
religious obligations and takes a li\-eh- interest in the growth and mainte- 
nance of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been superintendent of the 
Sunday school for a number of }-ears. He is a member of the Indejiendent 
Order of Odd Fellows and the (iranrl Blanc (Irange, and also the Independ- 
ent (Irder of ( ileaners. 

His kindlv disposition and genial humor have won for him manv friends 
and the jirospects for his future are bi ith bright .and pn imising. 




W'll.l.lA.M I. K1X(. AXM) Wll'l-:. 



William J. King', scTCLary and treiisurci- i>f ihc brick and drain tile 
cnni])an\' nf ( irand llianc, was hnni in Mu;id\- t^ iwiisliin April _'(i. 1S70. llis 
tatlu'r, jiilm W'., was a son (.f tlu- lale William j. l\in,i;-. one of llie pinnecrs 
cif tile cnunty. .Mr. Julm W'. Kin.i^' died in < Irand lUanc township. ha\ing 
attained the a.L;e nf almnt lii'ty-si.\ years. The niDiher's maiden name was 
.Mar\ ( '. jiihnson. a natix'e uf Xew ^Hrk state, .\fter ihe death ot her hns- 
hand. John W'.. she was as^ain marrieil. this time tn l)a\id KichardsDn, and 
she nnw has her hnme in l-'entun. Three ehililren were burn nf the lirst iininii. 
the <ither twn, beside.^ nur siil)ject. beini^' .\meriatte. wife nf !•",. 1 I. t 01 ik. and 
.Mninie, the wile nf h'redrick I'arker. 

W lu'u W illiam was ipiite \i nnt^- his parents renrnxed ti 1 hlint, and this 
continued to be his home until iS'jj. lie attended the public schools of the 
eitw taking" also the course oltered in the hi.^ii school. In iS()2 he settled in 
(irand I'lanc township, where be has snice been a resident, lie became con'- 
necled with the brick and tile wurks there, and has continued at that business 
c\-er since, lie has i^ixen the wurk his entire time and keeps himself well 
informed on the progress and de\elopnient of ihc business. He is tbor- 
ou^'hl\- familiar with all ])roblems connected with the maniitaeture of brick 
and tile, and is well informed on the drainau'e ])rob1eiiis of the day. The ])lant 
is run on a strict and economical basis, and close adherence is- given to uiiris^iit 
busini'ss methods. While the couipanx' is a stock com])an\-. .\lr. Kin^' is the 
sole owner of the ]ilant. I he major part of the concern is takiai np with the 
manufacture of draina.!.;e tile. ;md in this line the output of the ])lant i^ i|iule 



I20 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

large, Jieing excelled in qiiantit>" liy lint \-er}- few plants in the state, and in 
(|nality liy none in the country. 

Mr. King was married in I-'lint. Ajjril i8. KJ03, to I\Iiss ]\Ivrtie L. 
Smith, a daughter of Jacob L. Snu'th. resident of hdint. Tlu-ee children have 
been born to them. They are Ala.xwell IX. Byron \\ ., and ]'"rancis K. 

\h-. King has cheerfully responded to the requests of his man}- friends 
to assist in the ]>romotion of the educational interests of the communit}-, and 
the\' ha\-e found in him an ardent supporter of the cause of education. He 
has been wide-awake to the ad\-antages of a good training, and is anxious 
that this pri\-ilege shall be placed within the reach of e\-ery child able to avail 
himself of it. He is a Republican in politics, ar.d is also a member of the 
Odd Fellows. 



r 





J. C. ADAMS AXl) WIl'E. 

J;i\n(i L. Adams is dcscciulcd frnin Xew \'<\-\< anccslnrs. I lis fatlK-r, 
Ci)l(jnel James Adams, was a culuiicl in tlie ai'im- duriii!; tlie war nf iSu, and 
was horn in Jnhnstuwn. Xew N'nrk. June S. ijgi). Mis nidthcT. Srcrali ( I'arks) 
Adams, was l)iirn Xci\eml)cr ii. iJijN. alsn in the same state. Thex- came 
til ( ienesee count}'. Michi.ijan. in iS^.t. and settled in ( irand iilanc townshi]), 
then in fjuite a primitixe state. Tiiex i>urcliased a trad of uncleared land 
from the o"o\'ernment in section 17. n])on which thex' spent the remainder r)f 
their days, husy and liappx' in their new environment. The colonel died 
March (1. 1868. and was sm"\i\x'd 1>\' his wife until .\])ril 22. 1871. They 
were the parents of ele\en children, of wlmm onr snhject was the eiii'hth. 

jayno Charles was horn in l,i\ in,<;"ston, Xew \'ork, June 13. iS^j, and 
was onl\- three \'ears old when his jiarents came to Michigan. He was reared 
on the farm, remainin,;^ with his ]iarenls until he was of a,t;e, assistintj- in the 
cultivation of the soil and in ])rocurin<^- the necessities re(|iiisite for the 
support of the lars^e familw lie was a helpful son, and filled a worthy 
])lace in the famih' circle. 

L'pon lea\'in,t;' the homestead, he ]iurchased a farm in ( Irand Iilanc town- 
ship and eui^aijed in farmin.i;' and stock huyiu.t;'. and has spent the major part 
of liis life in that localit\'. lie has conliued himself lar<>elv to dealiu"' in 



122 BKJGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

stock, 1)Ut for ten years lie followed \arious occupations. He was married in 
San Francisco, California, on April j8, iXoo, to Aliss Helen AI. Ellis, who was 
a nati\e of ( )nondago county, Xew N ork. where she was born Alarch lO, 1S40. 
She was the daughter of Horace H. and Alary E (Kennedy) Ellis, \\ho 
came to Genesee county, Alichig'an, in i^'^j. and settled in Grand Blanc town- 
ship, continuing their life there until their da\'s were nuniliered. Air. Ellis 
was !>orn in Connecticut in 171)5 and died in I'f^JJ. Airs. Ellis was Imrn in 
Xew \'ork state in 1810 and lived up to .\])ril 10, 1870. 

Their famih' consisted of se\-en children, of whom Helen was the fourth. 
Air. and Airs. Adams ha\-e hecome the ])arents of four li\ing children: ISelle 
E. is the widow of V . Al. Thompson and li\es in Fenton. Alichigan; Alittie 
is the wife of Dr. John D. Riker, (jf Pontiac. Alichigan. Jayno W. is a farmer 
in Oakland count}-, Alichigan. h'lora is the wife of Ro}"al E. Goodale. The}- 
have buried five children, all of whom died (fuite }-oinig. 

Air. .Adams is a man who has taken an actixe part in public affairs and 
has alwa\-s shouldered all responsibilities of citizenship. He belie\-es in the 
"square deal" for exerv one, and diies not hesitate to stand upon his own 
con\-ictions. He and his wife are lo}-al supporters of the Alethodist Episcopal 
church, an<l ha\-e assisted substantiall}- in its progress and maintenance. 

Air. Adams is a highl\- esteen-ied n-iemljer of the Alasouic fraternity. 




IIIO.MAS l- M^JMI'.k. 



I'mniinent amnnj^- tlic exiierl \ eterinar\- surgeons nt the slate i~ \h\ 
Thomas h^arniei-. of (jfaml ISlaiie. Dt". l-"armer lias breathed the air of three 
ch'ffereiit countries at (hiTerent peridils df his lil'e. He was l):irn in Wales, 
Xoveinber i. 1843. ^''^ parents. 'I'lmnias and Mary (Junes) l-'arnier. botli 
natives of Wales, set sail for America when Thdtnas was four \ears of age. 
'ihe}' came to Canada and settled at rerlh. Lanark ci unity. TliMmas's father 
was a blacksmith and fullnwed his trade after arriving- in Canada. He was 
an honest and conscientiiuis WDrkman, :nid nothitig' left his hand that was 
not carefullv and skilfnll)' executed, lie taught the trade tn Thcimas. and 
instilled intn his mind the same |)nnci])les that had guuled limi in his labors 
at the ainil and the forge. The ringing of the hanmier and sledge made 
music from earh' morn till the going' down of the sun. and a cheer\' atmosphere 
of Inisv acti\'it\' was ever present in his shoj). He was called from his labors 
and gathered to rest at the age of lifty-twn. ha\itig been jireceded ])_\- his wife, 
who passed awa\ at the age of thirty-three. They were the ])arents of six 
sons, of wbdui riiiimas, mw subject, was the eldest. 

He was reared at I'ertli and remained there until twenty years of age. 
Ha\ing learned his trade, he came tn I'.irrollton, Illinois, where he fiillowed bis 
father's trade for about one year, returning at the expiration of that period to 



124 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Ontariij. He then juined ten- a shurt time in the warfare against the Fenians, 
at the close of which lie came to Alichigan and fciUnwed his trade in Lapeer 
and Hadley, coming to (Irand lUanc in September. 1873. Here he has ])een 
engaged in business e\-er since. In 1886 he took up the stud}' of veterinary 
surg"er}-, ha\'ing always been interested in the subject. His e.xperiences in the 
shop were such that his attention was frequently directed to the subject. He 

is a man of keen obser\-atiim and g 1 judgment, antl after deciding" to take 

ni) the wiirk i>f \'eterinar}'. lie felt the need of expert training fur the duties of 
the calling. In pursuance of the idea he entered and completed a course in 
the A'eterinary College of Chicago, finishing the work in 1888. Since 1900 
he has given his entire time to this work and has achieved great success. In 
1904 he was appointed l>\- the late (io\-erni:>r IJliss as one of the state board of 
veterinary examiners, which distinction he still holds. 

He was united in marriage in June, 1868, to Miss Jane McLaren, a 
native of Ontario, and a daughter of Robert and Maria (Marks) McLaren, 
who came to [Michigan also in an early day and settled in ]\Iuskegoii. where 
tliex' sjoent the remainder of their days. 

Dr. and Airs, b'armer are the parents of fi\-e children. Edith is 
the wife of W. H. l\vndall, of Maryville, Missouri; Cora is the wife of F. H. 
Sanford, instructor in the department of forestry in the ^lichigan Agricultural 
College: Jessie is the wife of Dr. W. G. Bird, of k'lint ; Maljel is single: Robert 
Jones is a dentist in Xew ^'ork city. 

Dr. F^arnier has the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, and 
is at the present time president of the Grand Blanc school board, and assumes 
crieerfullv his share of the responsibilities of citizenship. He was recently ap- 
pointed president of the state veterinary board Iiy (iiwernor Warner, 



GENESEE COUNT V. MlCIIKi.W. 125 

ORKIX HART. 

-Mr. ( )iTiu Han is tliL' si>n nf Marcus E. and I'ully (Clarke) Hart, early 
settlers of (lenesee cuunt}-. Mr. .Marcus E. Hart was horn in Connecticut 
and after liis marriage settled in Triangic. Broome county, .\'e\\ \"ork. Here 
he engaged in farming and lumljering. and in 1^36 joined the tide of emigra- 
tion westward and settled in Cenesee county. Michigan. Here they remained 
for a short time, and in the s])ring of 1837 they removed to Calhoun county. 
!\[ichigan, where Mr. Hart ihcd in the fall of the same year, aged forty 
years. Mrs. I'olly Hart was afterward married to Mr. rioulell and died in 
Livingston county, Michigan, after apprcjaching within four x'enrs of the cen- 
tury mark. There were three children of Iter first marriage, of whom om^ 
suhject, Orrin, was the eldest. He was horn in Triangle, Xew York, Juh' 23, 
i<S25, and was in his ele\enth year wlien he came with his ])arents to the 
west. After liis father's death he went to li\'e with an uncle, .^amuel Clarke, 
in wliat is now known as (jenesee township, lie lived with his uncle until the 
latter's death, which occurred when Orrin was eighteen years old. After this, 
Orrin made his home with another uncle, Ogden Clarke, in the same town- 
ship. Mr. Clarke was at one time probate judge of Genesee county- and Orrin 
grew up under good influences and associations. He was fully alive to his 
advantages, and as manhood came he increased not only in stature and 
physical strength. Init also in mental equipment as well. Judge Clarke moved 
to Flushing when Orrin was twent\-t\vo years old, and the latter continued to 
make his home with the judge until he was married in I'lushing. Januar\- 1. 
1853, to ]\Iiss Hannanett Constant, who was a nati\e of \'ork state also. 
After his marriage he settled upon a farm in Mushing township, wdiich he 
had previouslv piu'chased. Here the newly nianied cou])le went energeticaltv 
to work and soon made flattering ])rogress in operating and improving the 
farm. The ])erio(l of domestic felicit}- was cut short. howe\-er, hy the wife's 
death in iS6_'. I'ollowing this misfortune Mr. Hart ga\'e up work on the 
farm anil located in the village of Flushing. Here he pmxhased the flouring 
mills and operated them for forty-three years. He was again married to Miss 
Margaret E. Ashhaugh. Ivihert O. and Rennie Hart were the two children 
l)()rn to him in this last union. 

Robert O. Hart was born in Flushing February 21. 187T. His mother 
was a nati\-e of Ohio. Robert was reared in the town of his liirtb and was 



i2(> BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

educated in the local schools. He was a dihgent student and an active, wide- 
awake hov, possessing tiie usual share of mischief and surplus energy that 
characterize the typical American \Muth. 

He pmhted. hdwever, hy all the opportunities that came his wav to fit 
and equip himself for the exigencies of business life that were liable to con- 
front him. In i88() he entered the flouring mills as an emplo\'e, and soon 
made himself familiar with the details of the business. In i8c)3 he went into 
partnership with a cousin, John K. Clarke, under the firm name of Hart & 
Clarke. This partnership continued for one }'ear, during which time the 
business grew in \'olume ver\- noticeablw At the expiration of the year the 
partnership was dissolved and ]\Ir. Hart went into association with his brother, 
Rennie E., and they together ojierated the mills under the name of Hart 
Brothers. 'Vhev pushed the business with marked discrimination and success, 
gi\'ing eminent satisfaction to all with wIkiui their business brought them in 
contact. This association continued until 1005. at which time Robert pur- 
chased his brother's interest in the mills, and formed a stock company, 
known as the Hart Milling and I'ower Com|)an\-, and the\' are operating 
under that title at the present time. The business has steadilv ])rogressed 
and has been marked !)y energ}- and characterized \)y uj^rightness and sc[uare 
dealing. 

Air. Hart was married at bdushing August 29. t8<j_^. to Miss I .ula E. 
Tubbs. who is a nati\e of renns_\'lvania. She was the daughter of Philander 
and Rachel lulibs, who were able and highb- res])ected people. This union 
has resulted in the birth of two children, \'iz., Orrin C. and S_\l)il Al. 

Mr. Hart has gi\en a great deal of time to the ])rosecution of his busi- 
ness aft'airs, and has made it a rule t'l do w ith all bis might w hate\'er he under- 
takes. Hrjwxwer, in s|)ite of his manifold actixities, he has found time to re- 
spond to the requests of his friends to take part in the lt)cal goxernment, and 
has held many offices of trust and responsiliilit)-. In all these he has done his 
part faithfully and cheerfull}-. and has lived the role of a lo\al and reliable 
citizen. In lodge matters, also, he has contributed, Ijeing an able and efficient 
worker in the ranks of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are also 
esteemed members of the Eastern Star. Mr. Hart further affiliates with the 
P)ene\'olent Protectixe Order of Elks. 




.MK. AX I) .\1US. lOllX W. C'OLIJXS. 



Among tlie main- ahlc-hi dieil men ni IHint is Juhn W. L'lillins. a man of 
wide experience and l)r(iad ideas, lie is not an American \)v birth, hnt lias 
become one hv adnptinn. He was burn in Ireland, in the conntx' of rii)perar\'. 
better knuwn as the \alle\- nf ."^weet She\'enamon. His fatlier. Patrick Col- 
hns. was a farmer in cumfdriable circumstances, liaxing ha<l a lease mi sixtv- 
si.x acres of fertile land, and alsn a lease on some land which was transferable 
to hi.s children fnr ninet\-nine )'ears. He died .\ugnst 7. 1X71. at the age of 
fifty-five years. His wife's maiden name was Mary Hanrahan. She died on 
the hume farm in 1NX4. ha\ing attained the age nf se\ent\' \'ears. Six chil- 
dren were burn tn them. \ iz.. Micliael. l)aniel. (,'atliernie. James. Marv .and 
J..hn W. 

h ihn was thirteen years old wlien his father died and he continned to li\e 
with his mother till ^S/T,. In Aiignst uf that _\'ear he embarked for America, 
and I in his trip had one <>f the exciting experiences of his life. The vessel 
on which he sailed was wrecked at sea. hnt the passengers and the crew were 
rescued, and the\' were landed at Quebec instead of at the I'nited States ])ort 
for which xhev were bound. He made his wa\' to Xew \'iirk cil\-. and fnr 
nine years recei\ed x'aluable experience here as l)onkkee])er fnr J. iK- X, Col- 
lins, cottiin brokers. Ha\ing a desire to see the C(iU!itr\ and tn better his con- 
ditinn if pnssible. he resigned his ])isitii.n here and came west tn t_"hicago. 
Here he entered the empln\ it\ tlte lllinnis Central Railroad, being connected 
with the bridge de])artment. lie spent fnmieen _\ears almost continuouslv in 
this work, and received helpful training in transacting business of this char- 
acter. This experience has stnod him well in hand s.ince. and has l)een a 
\a!uable aid to him in his \eiUures. .Mr. Cnllins' ne\l mn\-e was to 



128 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Racine, Wisconsin, where he became enipldved as timekeeper fur the Racine 
Wagon and Carriage Comjjany. in the wudd department. This piisiti<in was 
filled Ij}' him fur three years, after which he went west intn the cmpl(i\- of the 
Michael Higgens axle works, remaining with the latter hrm for one vear. 
He then came to Flint ;ni(l tor the next two Nears was engaged in the Flint 
axle works. 

He then decided to go into l)nsiness for himself, and in 1003 began 
operations as a contractur for the hnilding of cement walks, and has con- 
tinued in the general contract business. Since 190O he has de\-<ited 
his whole attention to sewer contract work. His wide exiierience. thonaigh 
business methods, and ni)right dealings ha\e brought him not oulv nian\' 
ciintracts. but the support and good will nf his business associates. 

Air. Collins was married in New York city June 30. iKjcS, to Miss 
Anastasia Hurlew a nati\e of Count\- Ki1kenn\-. Ireland. I''our children have 
been born to them: Mar}' is the wife of John Heller, of Ivacine. Wisconsin: 
Patrick AI. li\-es in Racine and is in the employ of the Racine Wagon and Car- 
riage Company: Thomas J, h\es at llruokh-n, Xew \'ork. The other daugh- 
ter is Ellen. Mrs. Collins died in Chicago September 10. 188S. 

On Xo\'ember 3, 1904, Air. Collins was again married, taking as his 
wife Julia AI. Brenni:)n, who was Ijorn in hdint October 14. 18O9. She was 
the onlv child nf the family. Her father. Patrick Brennan. was a farmer in 
Burton township and was burn in Queens conntv. Ireland. Her mother. Alar\- 
(Connelly) Brennan, was liorn in TipiJerary count)'. Ireland, and died in 
Burton township Juh' 1. 1878, aged thirty-se\'en years. 

Mr. Collins is a member of the Roval League and the Knights of Colum- 
bus. He and his wife are devoted nieniljers nf the St. Alichaehs Catholic 
church. 




XATHAXliCL II. I-RISBIE. 



Xathaniel II. I'"ri,sljie was the eighth of a family of nine children of Hon. 
riiilip S. and Calista (Farnham) Frisbie. natives of New York state. They 
were among' the \er_\' earl\' pioneers oi Michigan, having come west in an 
early ilay and settled in Springfield township. Oakland county. The father 
reached the age of fifty-nine }ears. He was a prominent man in Oakland 
count}' and was at one time a meniber of the Micliigaii legislature, and was 
also justice of the peace for a long term of years. Deeply interested in re- 
ligious affairs he acti\'el}' sustained the .Methodist Episcupal church in the 
l(jcality and contriljuted freel}' and substantially to its maintenance. The 
mother, also was an active church worker, died at the age of sevent\'-six. 
These parents were pei}])Ie of marked individnalitv and stamped lasting im- 
])ressinns nf character and ideals n])iin tlicir children. 

.Xathaniel was burn at the ])ioneer homestead im Ma\' lo. 1S50. and S])ent 
the first seventeen years of his life under the paternal roof. recei\-ing' such 
education as was offered b}' the common schools of the \'icinit\'. .\t the age 
of eighteen he went to Xew Hampshire and was occupied in general work 
there for several montlis. W bile there he was married. December (). 1869, 
tci .Mi^s M:iry J. Hragg. who was born June 13. 18311, at Charlestown. Xew 
Hampshire. .She was the daughter of .\lby AI. and .Susan D. (Allen) 
9 



I30 BIOGRAPHICXL HISTORY 

Brag'g. Mr. Firagg was a nati\e of \'ermi)nt and reached the ad\'anced age 
()f eightv-fiiui" \ears. He was one i)t the leading men nt liis h(_)me town, 
Alstead. \'ennont. l)oth sociallx' and puliticallv. being knnwn generallv as 
Cajjtain All)}-. He and his wife inth were ardent supporters of tlie Baptist 
faith. Air. Bragg's father, Bnswell Bragg, was a consin of ( ieneral FJragg. of 
Confederate fame. Airs. Bragg was a nati\e of Xew Hampshire and reached 
the age of se\'enty-two years, and was the mother of se\-en children, two 
sons and five daughters, Alary lieing the third child of the family. 

After his marriage, Nathaniel and wife came to Michigan and began 
farming at Da\isburg. Oakland county. They remained there for aliont one 
A'ear and then returned to Xew Hampshire, coming back to Oakland county 
a vear later, and shorth' after located in (ienesee conntv. Thev pmxhased a 
farm in \'ienna townshi]) in 1S72. and for the next fixe _\ears they devoted 
themselx'es to the cultixation and im])ro\ement of this tract of land. This 
farm Air. l-rishie traded for another farm in Mint townshii), exchanging the 
latter for one in h'enton townshii) and resided on this farm until 1897. He 
then took up his residence at h'lint, and has been engaged in the real estate 
l)us!ness there ever since. 

Three children ha\e blessed this union: Alarshall AI. is an attorney in 
Flint, and is a graduate of the ilepartment of law of the University of Michi- 
gan. His practice has been a matter of steady and substantial growth, re- 
sulting, as it has, in manv manifestations of confidence and esteem on the 
])art of his clientele. One son. lamest, died in infancx', and their daughter, 
Luna, was married to Abram V. (iay, who died in ic;oi, she passing awa}- 
Decemlier 7, 1903, at the age of thirt\"-two years. Their familv consisted of 
three children: .Arthur L., Harrold A., and Alary C. 

Air. l-'risliie is an actixe public man, seeking to promote the general wel- 
fare of the cit\- in exerx' jjossible way. He is a respected member of the 
Knights of the Alaccabees, and co-operates freeh' in promoting the best in- 
terests of the fraternity. He maintains still a relish for the farm, being the 
owner of a xahrible tract of land in Genesee countv. 




HIRAM B. GILBERT. 



-Mr. Hiram B. (iilhert was bum in C'uminingtun. llampsliire county, 
[Massachusetts. Aug'ust lo, 1N34. His nidtlK-r's name was Polly ( (juldthwaite) 
(jilhert. and was Imni in Massachusetts. His father's name was Domer Gil- 
bert. They ended their days in Hampshire cuunt}- and were the parents of 
eight children, four suns and tour daughters, iliram was the seventh child. 
He was lirought u]) at \\ orthington, Hampshire count}", wdiither his parents 
had renioxed when he was still iptite young. His parents engaged in farm- 
ing and Hiram rissisted in tilling the soil and was of inestimable service to the 
familw .\t the age of t\\eni\- he left .Massachusetts and came to Xew York 
state, where he .spent about one year, and then came on to (ienesee county, 
Michigan. He arri\-ed here in the s])ring of 1855 and learned the carpenter's 
trade in Grand Blanc, .\fter following this trade for several years he pur- 
chased a farm in Munch" township, upon wliich he settled and continued its 
operation for the next fixe years. He made his work on this farm count for 
im])ro\ements and better facilities, and at the expiration of the period men- 
tioned was enabled to dispose of it readih' and at a ])roht. He then removed 
to (irand Blanc, and for the next few years again turned his attention to his 
trade, .\ftcr a i)eriod of about li\e A"ears he changed his location to Clarkston, 
(X'ikland t-(.nnl\. .Michig.an. and continued to ])ly his trade as a carpenter in 



I^^ 



bio(;k.\i'iiic.\l history 



conjunction with farming. Selling out again he removed tci Fenton, and a 
year later bought another farm in Mundy township, continuing" to operate 
it until the fall of 1Q03. at w hich time he disposed of the farm and removed to 
Grand I'lanc. where he is enjoving the retirement so well earned. 

He was married in Cirand Blanc April 14. 1858, to ]\Iiss Pamelia Rem- 
ington, who was 1)1 irn in Grand Blanc, Genesee county, Michigan, June 6, 
1837. Her father, John Remington, was born in Connecticut in 1810. Her 
mother, Julia Ann ( Goit ) Remington, was l)orn in Genesee county, Xew 
^'ork, Ma\- 24. 1814. These parents came from Rush, Genesee count}', Xew 
York, to Genesee county. [Michigan, in 1834, and settled in Grand Blanc 
township, being among the ver\- ear]\' and hardy pioneers of the Cfjunty. 
They spent the greater part of their married life in Genesee county, and 
for fifteen years made their home with their daughter. Mrs. Gilbert. During 
the last seventeen years of his life Mr. Remington was widowed, but con- 
tinued to make his home with his daughter. Mrs. Remington died in 1890, 
having reached her seventy-sixth year. Mr. Remington died in Grand Blanc 
Mav 29, 1907, having reached the magnificent age of almost ninety-seven 
vears. Their children were three in number: Ira is a farmer in Mundy ti iw n- 
ship : Pamelia. mentione<l abii\e, and Charles, who died in 1890. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gillsert are the parents of six children, viz. : .\lma, wife 
of \\'illiam Shaw, of Fenton: Edward \\'., Hetty A., wife of A. \\', Alger, of 
Grand Blanc township: Frank I., a merchant of Grand Blanc: Parna, wife 
of Louis Bigelow, of Mundy township; anil Charles A., a farmer in Banister. 
Gratiot cnuntw Michigan. Two of the children died in infancy. Mr. (iilbert 
occupied the office of justice of the peace for two terms. He has affiliated 
with the Republican party, and has always taken a lively interest in township 
and county affairs. Both he and his wife did much to promote the growth of 
the Baptist church, and Mr. (iill)ert has for many }ears Iieen an excellent 
guide in the Sundav school wcirk. 




loXAI'll AX CRAI'SER. 



Mr. Jdiiathan t'rapser is (Hie nf the pioneer elevator men in this section 
of the state. He was liorn in I'.nrton township. Genesee connty. Michigan, 
September 22, 1844. His parents. Alhertus and Alary (Story) Crapser. were 
natives of Green county. Xew ^'nrk. They decided to leave their home in 
that state, and in 1838 they came to try the fortunes of life farther west, and 
consequently emigrated to Micliigan, settling in Groveland. Oakland county, 
where the_\- purchased a farm. TIicn- were industrious, upright and congenial, 
and found the life in their new en\ironments much to their liking. They 
developed their farm to a commendable degree, and succeeded in producing 
excellent crops. They lived on this farm for two years, when they purchased 
another and mo\ed to Burton township, (jenesee county, where they died, 
the father acquiring the age of si\ty-fi\-e xears. while the mother attained the 
age of sixty-eight years. 

Five children were born to them, of whom Jonathan, our subject, was 
the youngest of the bo\-s. He was l)rouglu up on the farm, where, under 
rigid ilisci])line. he ac(|uireil strength and character, \\hich have been the 
ruling elements of his honored and successful life. 

His education was such as was to be obtained in the common schools of 
the neigliborhood, and Jonatlian t<iok advantage of all that was a\-ailable. 



134 BIOC.RAI'IIICAL HISTORY 

making good use of his time liotli in and out nt school. He remained on the 
farm throughont his younger manhuod, and i in Septemljer 21. 1S70. entered 
into matrimonial relations with Miss Anne AI. 'riFfan\-, a nati\e of Xorwich, 
Connecticut, and a <lauphter of Charles and I.uc\- 'riffan\'. After marriaee 
they took up their residence in the \'illage of ( irand Blanc, having already 
purchased the ele\-ator there. This elevator Air. Crapser has owned and 
operated e\er since, and has heen intimatel_\- connected with the growth of 
the grain husiness thrdu^hout these ^■ears. His hrother, Amos L., was a 
partner in the concern for the hrst hve years, from 1868 to 1873, hut at the 
expiration of tli;it time Jcjuathan assumed full possession. He is the pioneer 
elevator man i>n the P. & AI, R. R. hetween I^etroit and Ludington. He did 
service for this road when it was in jn'ocess of construction, and was engaged, 
while }'et on the farm, in laying the roadhed and in securing some of the 
•materials used in constructing the roadway. Upon the completion of the 
road and consequent estalilishment of husiness. Air. Crapser foresaw the 
opportunit}' for grain and produce traffic opening up, and obedience to his 
impulses led him to lea\"e the farm and enter the mercantile field. During 
these years he has not on1\- l)een an expert ele\'ator man. Init has engaged 
at times in the sale and shipment of produce. an<l has also dealt extensively 
in luml)er, especially the hardwood \-ariet\'. In these activities he has often 
done business on a large scale. ha\-ing at times as many as fifty men in his 
empl(A-. He managed these affairs with iudgment and discretion, and mani- 
fested great ])riificiency as an employer. 

In a public way. also, did Mr. Crapser participate in the life of the 
communitw ha\ing served as su]>er\isor of (irand Blanc township for two 
terms. Two children make up the family. Samuel C. and George M. Mr. 
Crapser is still wide-awake on all matters pertaining to both public and pri\ate 
affairs, and his \-iews, as the fruit nf bis own firm convictions, are held in high 
esteem b^" all who Icnow him. 




GEORGE E. MIXDV 



Mr. (ieiir^'c V.. Mund)- was IjiM'n in Glaytnn township, ( ienesee county. 
.Miclhg-an. Deceniljcr -'3, 1860. His tatlier. 'I'homas Mundy. came to America 
in 1N50. when he was tweKe years old. Tlie family settled in Cla\-tnn tnwn- 
ship and here Mr. Mumly is still lixin.i^-. Geor^'e's nidther, .Mar\- [. ( Darling) 
.Mund\". was a native uf Lcick])iirt, Xew N'urk. She was the nuither of 
twel\-e chil(h"en and died on the old liDniestead at the age of forlx'-seven vears. 

(ieorge was the eldest of this splendid family and was reared on the old 
homestead. He grew to manhood in the midst <if such circnmstances as 
would most lik-ely dexelop him into a thorougliK- reliahle and industrious 
Wdrker. He left the farm at the age of twenty-three, having received a com- 
mon school education while there, and soon after was married to Miss Marv 
X'ernon. wlio was horn in the English settlement of Mushing. She was the 
daughter of k'noch and llaunah \ Ikiilcv 1 X'ernon. who were hoth natives of 
England. .She was the fourth of a famih' of se\'en children. Soon aftei- their 
marriage they set out on their career as farmers, taking up tlieii- (|uarters on a 
farm in Clayton townshi]). Mere the\- a])p]ied themselws diligcmlx' to their 
chosen wurk, ami in due time the appearance of the farm ]]ore testimon\- of 
progressiveness and thrift. The}- remained on this farm for lifteen years, 
after which the\' rcmo\ed to Mint. Here Mr. .\lund\- entered into husiness 



136 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

as a produce dealer, and pursued this line for some time. After living in 
Flint for about one year and a half, he purchased a farm of lone hundred and 
twent} -one acres in Cla}'tiin township and remo\ed thither. 

He operated this farm f(ir al;)out two Acars and his work here was e\i- 
dence of his thrift and ec()ni}nn". .\t the expiration of this time he rented 
out tlie farm and remD\ed to Mushing in December, ii)02, disposing of the 
farm later. Since living in Mushing he purchased a large farm in Flushing 
township, and still owns this tract, which is in a good state of improvement 
and productiveness. Since li\ing in blushing. Mr. AIund\- has been engaged 
in the sale of buggies, wagons, wire fence, etc. 

Air. and Mrs. Mundy have been the parents of two children. Their family 
experience has Ijeen tlarkened. ho\\e\er, \)y a dense cloud of sorrow that 
aroused for them the svmpatln- of their hosts of friends. Their daughter, 
bdo}' B., met her untimeb' death, Janu'ir\' 31, 1898, when Imt fourteen rears 
of age. She was struck b\- a fast train on the (irand Trunk Railroad at 
Swartz creek. 'Jdieir other child. Hazel M., surxives. 

Mr. Mund_\- held the office of township treasurer of Clavton township for 
two years, discharging the duties of his loffice to the entire satisfacti(.in of all 
his C(jnstituents. He is holding the office of drainage commissioner in Flusliing 
township, and is known throughout the \'icinity as a man of a progressive and 
energetic temperament. He takes an active interest in public affairs and 
stands for the square deal in all matters, whether puljlic or pri\ate. In lodge 
matters, also. Mr. Alundv has imi)ressed his personalit\- u]ion manv. He is an 
active Alason and has Ijeen an unl)iased and creditable devotee to the princi- 
ples and teachings 1 d" the order. 



1^ 




^■^ 





JOSEPH L. DL'XBAR. 



Josepli I.. I)un1)ar. contractor and l)inl(k'r. is one of Mint's steady and 
respected l)nsiness men. Mis father was Juseph Dunliar, who was also a car- 
penter and contractor, and one of the men tliat had a hand in the Imildin^s: of 
many of tlie suljstantial himies in the county. He died at Musliing in 1851, 
ai^ed fifty-nine years. Josepli's niotlier, whose maiden name was Christina 
Big-Ier. (hed also in Flushing- in 1871, having- reached the age of seventy-five. 
She was the mother of six children — one son, our subject, and five daughters. 

Joseph was horn in Rochester. Oakland county, Michigan. June 3. 1838. 
He was ahout three years (ild when Ins parents mo\ed to ( ienesee county. 
His education was o1)tained in the common schools of the neigl-iborhood. 
which, though not elaborate, were sufficiently good to give him a start in the 
rudiments of learning. He applied himself to his studies and made the most 
of the time while the opportunity was open. At the age of twelve vears his 
father died. and. being the onl}- son. it fell to him thus earK- in life to shoulder 
the responsibilit)- of looking after the interests of the faniil\-. While this was 
in niany respects a \-er}- heavy load for such young shoulders to carrv, vet he 
set hiniself resolutely to the work, facing problems that arose w-ith a stout 
heart and a dauntless spirit. When a tree is grow-ing to tiiatiu-it\- the buft'et- 
ings of wind and storm ser\e only to strei-igthen and de\-elo]) the i'lbcrs of its 



T38 BKX.KArillCAl. HISTORY 

sturdy trunk and lM-anche.>. Such was tlie case, in analog}-, witli young Joseph. 
The difficuUies and perplexities of the work liefore him ser\ed rather to de- 
velop him intii the full stature of a thoughtful and resolute manhood, bringing 
out the latent faculties that were slumljering within him. 

He early saw the need of ha\-ing a trade at his command, so that as soon 
as practical)le, he became an apprentice at carpentry. In that day the work of 
an apprentice was not liberally paid, and the periiid of his training was also 
of more extended duration than is the case now in the Inisv lush of modern 
achie\'ements. His salar}- the first year was $50 and board. But he knew 
the \'alue nf what he had earned, an<l later he Ijegan to make use of his earn- 
ings in a practical wa}'. He bought a lot in the town of I'dushing for ^^40 and 
worked for two and one-half months for mone\' with which to make his Hrst 
paxment of ten dollars. In this wav he began not onh- to sa\'e and make use 
of his sa\-ings, but he also began thinking ahmg such business lines as in\-est- 
ment. values, etc. He adhered closely to his trade, and for o\-er thirt\- \ears 
made his home in Flushing. During this time he became a much valued and 
highly esteemed member of the community, known ])\ all his friends and 
neighbors as an industrinus ;ind thurou.ghh' reliagie gentleman. 

In 1878 he remo\'ed to I'dint. and has since that time made that cit^• his 
home. Air. Dunbar was married at (3rion, Oakland countv, on Christmas 
da_\-, iXOj, to Miss Alary -\nn Lligier, who was born in ( )akland countv, 
September 13, 1843. She is the daughter of Jesse and .Vnn (Tower) Ijigler, 
w idel}- respected citizens of Oakland county. This unimi has been blessed 
with a family of three children, not all of whom are sur\i\ing. Lena became 
the wife of F. (1. Sutherland, of Mint. Jennie departed this life in 1S90, aged 
fifteen years. Daisy is the wife of Ray Brownell, of Flint. 

Air. Dunbar is an acti\"e member of the Alasonic fraternitw He has 
ne\er sought public office, ])referring rather to gi\e his undi\ ided attention to 
the demands of his business. 




I'l^WKLIX E. HOLl.Il)\^' 



^Ir. I'ranklin !•',. llulliday is a native of the "Buckeye state." ha\ing been 
1inrn in liurun cnuntv. Ohio. Se])teml)er 2. 1S31. ilis parents were Eno and 
Sarah (Curtis) llolliday. l>otli nati\es of Xew \'ork state. l)ut descendants 
from Xew lMit;"Ian(l ancestrw i*jio ilollida\- was a farmer \)V occupritiou and 
ended his tlays in ] iuron couni\-, ( )lii(). attaininj^' tlie age of eig"ht}-two years. 
His wife sur\-i\-es him and is now h'ving at quite an advanced age. 

l'"rankHn was reared on the farm and i-eceived liis schooling in the local 
common schools. He was a l)o\- of industriou'^ habits and early showed an ac- 
tive interest ni the general affairs of men. .\t the age of eighteen he started 
out for himself, and for about one \ear worked out at farm labor. ( )n Janu- 
ary _'3. iSjj. he was married to Miss Mar\- (.', Kirkpatrick. a native of Ohio, 
and daughter of William and Charlotte 1 Coder ) l\irk])atrick. .She was born 
in .\shland countx'. Ohio. .March Jj,. 1 !^4(). 

\fter marriage the\' rented a farm and began to mold and carve their 
way through the ragged pathwax of life, .\fter about six xears of busv and 
aggressive work on the farm Mr. Iloliidav decided to ])ut his faculties to 
other tests, and forthwith transferred his actixities to .\ew York cit>-. Here 
he engaged in the ice business for a time, later entering the emplo\- of the 
street railroaij coni]);m\'. serving in the latter cajiacity for about nine months. 



I40 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Following" this \-enture he returned to Ohio and in the autumn oi 1880 he 
emigrated to Genesee ciiunty,']Michig-an. L pun his arrival here he purchased 
a farm in Richfield tnwnship. and fnr the next four years he applied himself 
assiduous!)- to its operation. He made great improvements on the tract and 
brought the place up to a much lietter standard of appearance and production. 
At the expiration of four }ears he rented out the farm and returned to Xor- 
walk, Ohio. He was a man tliat had a hmad grasp of affairs and could adapt 
himself readil_\- to new en\ iroimients and conditions. He l)egan work at this 
time as carpenter and liecame inspector of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern 
Railroad, staying in the latter employ about four years, after which he returned 
to his farm in Richfield township. In 1893 he returned to Flint feeling that here 
he could. ha\e Ijetter advantages for his children, to whom he was strong! v de- 
voted, and for whom he \vas anxious to obtain the best possil)!e facilities for 
training and education. He has since that time made Flint his p!:ice of residence. 
He has devoted some of his time to the stock business, and has also done con- 
siderable contracting and building". All with whom he came in contact soon 
came to have confidence in his business integritv and sterling" good sense. 
During his acti\'e duties in life he has often coi"isented to ser\"e his fellow citi- 
zens in such capacities as justice of the peace and member of the school board. 
He has also been alderman from the sixth ward and is an active supporter of 
the Republican cause. He was defeated in the race for the mayoralty at the 
tin"ie of the election to that office Ijv ^Mavor AIcKinlev. 

In IQOO Air. Hollidav n"iade a tour of Alaska, having" charge r>f the car- 
penter work for the Golden Sands ^vlining Coni])any on the Penu}" river, 
fourteen miles abo\"e Cape Nome. He was on duty there from May until 
November, and takes great pleasure in thinking o\er his experiences in that 
wonderful territorv. He is far ad\"anced in the Masonic fraternitv and has 
been a loyal devotee to the tenets of the order. 

]\Ir. and Mrs. Holliday are the parents of two daughters : Leuella M. 
has become the wife of Charles I. Burr, while Philena J- "was united in mat- 
rimi:in\" to Ernest A. Smith. 'Ihe entire faniilv ha\e exerted a wholesome and 
bei"ieficial influence on the general tone of affairs in the communit\". 




EZRA XI-:W.AIAX. 



The parents (if [•Izra Xewnian were pioneei's of CJakland county. ha\ing 
come hither from Tompkins count}-, Xtw N'urk, in 1831. The father <if our 
sul)ject was John W. and the mother's name was Eann}- ( Com-ad ) Xewman. 
Tlie_\- made their home at Orion, Alichigan, and there ended their daws. Mr. 
John Xewman died January 6, 1892, aged eightv-two \ears. ]Mrs. Xewniau 
(hed December 24, 1902. aged eighty-five years. They were the parents of 
seven cliihh'en, of whom F./a-a was the tifth. He was l)orn on a farm in ( )rion 
township, Oakland count\-, .Michigan, Se])temher 23. 1847. He remained upon 
tlie farm wlien growing to manliood and received tlie cHsciph'ne and school- 
ing afforded by life on the soil. In 1878 he purcha.sed a farm of his own in 
-Mundy township, Genesee county, ^Michigan, and de\-oted his energies to its 
improvement and <le\elopnient. He conclucted bis work here with coniplete 
success, and soon Ijecame a nieml)er of good slrmding in the communitw lie 
continued to live upon this farm until the s])ring of 1906, at which time he 
gave up active supervision of farm woiT and removed to Flint. He still owns 
the farm of one hundred and sixt\- acres in Mund\ township. He was mar- 
ried in Octi)l)er, 1876, to Miss Eliza Snyder at Oxford, Oakland cotintw Mrs. 
Xewman was born at Addison, ()akland countv, Jul\' 23. 1853. She was the 
• laughter of Cornelius and Mar\- W. ( I'.oxse ) Snvder, both natives of Xew 



142 BIOClkAI'llICAL HISTORY 

Jersey. Mr. Snyder was bcirn in Warren county. Xew Jersey, December 9, 
1815. iMrs. Snyder was Ijorn in iSji. They came to Michigan in the spring 
of 1839 and settled in Addisnn township. Oakland cnunt}-. The}" were hard- 
working and industrious peo])le, and they were well fitted to rear and edu- 
cate their large tamilw which consisted of fifteen children, of whom Eliza 
was the twelfth. .\ str<ing s]>irit of fellowship and love pervaded the family 
life, and mutual helpfulness and kindly regard and devotion to one anc)ther 
were S(jme of the characteristics that manifested themseh'es in the domestic 
circle, (^ne can picture to himself in imagination a family fireside scene 
on a winter evening, the chores being performed, the wood brought in and 
the family then gathered about the room in \arious attitudes and occupa- 
tions. The reading of Scri])ture or story, the outburst of song or laughter, 
accompanied \)y the undertones of the nnUtering winds, presented all in all a 
combination that is hard to fully a])preciate. and one that can ne\-er be 
forgotten. 

Mr. Snx'der was gathered to his fathers on ^lay 2j. 1899, aged eighty- 
three }-ears. Mrs. Suxcler lived until May 31, 1898, having reached her 
se\ent}--seventh year. 

l\lr. and Mrs. Xewman occupy a pleasant home at 1300 Grand Traverse 
street, and are highly esteemed by all their friends and neighbors. Mrs. Xew-- 
man is a memljer of the Alethodist Episcopal church. Air. Xewman is a 
1 )eiuocrat. 




DWIl) W. IIII.IJ'.R. 



.Mr. na\i<l \\ . lliller is a descendaiit <>i piDiieers. having been Ijorn 
at (Jgdeii, Aiiiuriie cinintv. Xew \ ork, January J'), i N34. His father was 
John Hiller. a nati\c nf Xew \t>vk state. His ninthL-r. .Marv Sherman, was 
a nati\'e nf Xernmnt and was a cmisin nf tlie (listint;uishe(l q'eneral. W . T. 
Sliernian, and the linn. Jnlm Sliernian. 

W hen l)a\id was in his tln'rd year liis ])arents emigrated fr(.>m IMonroe 
ciiuntN'. .\'e\\ N'nrk, tn ( ienesee cnuntv'. .Michigan. 'I'he\- settled there in what 
is ni>w ISnrtnn township, and remained there practically all their days. .Mrs. 
llillcr died August 13. iX<Si;, Inning acqiureil the age nf se\-ent\'-six rears. 
Mr. Hiller ])assed away June 21). iS<)5. ha\ ing reached the age nf eightv-se\en 
years. 

'Idieir uninu was blessed with a rnbust lamil_\- ( f tweKe children, nine 
Sons and three daughters, l)a\id being the eldest iti the faniilw He was 
brought u]) nn the fai"ni in I'lUrtnu inwusbip and rccei\ed the hard\' training 
that is altnrdeil b_\' such an experience. CJ)n Uctnber 7. 1X57. be was married 
tn Miss .\delia M. ("nnk-, wlm was the daughter nf .\ndrew and Irene (Hib- 
bard ) C'nnk, [^(ineers '>\ Richlicld tnwnshi]); .\deha was bnru in the latter 
tnwnshi]) nn ()ctnl)er 31. 1S4J. Their nr.ii.n has ronlted in the birth '<i fnur 
children: Annctta 1. is the wife nf \'>. Iv. Dndge, nf Kichheld tnwnship: \u- 



144 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

drew J. is lixiny at I'^argd. Xnrth Dakiita; ( "leiirge B. is a practicing physi- 
cian at 0\vass(j, Michigan : Fred (~). is a resilient nf Mint. The nmther de- 
parted this h'fe (in Xoxeniljer 5, 1906. 

?\lr. lliller has lieen a resident of the c:innt)- fur over se\-enty }-ears, and 
has de\<jted himself ahnost exclnsixely to farming. In doing so, however, he 
has not narrowed himself dnwn U> his own interests, but has taken an active 
part in general affairs also. His business abilit\' and integrity were soon rec- 
ognized b\' his neighbors and friends, rmd be has been called upon repeatedly 
to ser\e in l<ical offices. He has officiated as clerk of Richfield townsliip, and 
has taken a consjiicuous part in count)' affairs as well. He has been president 
and treasurer of the Genesee County .Mutual b'ire insurance Com])any over 
four \'ears, and has conducted the affairs of the comjiany in an efficient and 
conser\'ati\'e manner. Full confidence has been placed in his sagacity and 
integrit\', and the results of his super\ision have demonstrated his fitness for 
the duties that have been entrusted to him. 

■ He has been an ardent and conscientious follower of the \\'ord of Clod, 
having gi\en himself to the ser\ice of the Lord when twenty-fi\e years of age. 
At that time he identified himself w ith the Methodist Protestant church, and 
has been a constant and faithful supporter of the faith e\-er since. He gi\-es 
not onl_\- of bis means, but of his time also, assuming his share of the church's 
activities and responsibilities. He has held manv offices in the local church, 
and is looked to b\' the other members of the church board, both for counsel 
and inspiration, it is the wish of his man\' friends that i^eace and happiness 
ma\' attend him throuijhout his da^■s. 




M\<. AXl) MRS. WII.I.IAM A. (iAU.\l':K. 



Mr. W illiaiii .\. (ianiur. e.x-shcnlT "f ( ieiiesee cniinty. lias licen nne ot ilic 
ciunitv's most wide-awake and iisetul citizens, lie is nf Sciitcli-I'Ji,i;lisli e.\- 
traction. His f;itlier, ( ieor^c ( iarner. was a nati\c <>t C'anada. l>i)ni of i'-ny- 
lisli ])arentai;x'. I lis nintlKT. Anna ( I )eaii ) ( iarner. was hdrn in L'nrk, Ireland, 
lit Sciiteh aneestrw and bv her nnmn with (ieiirt;e (iarner she heeanie the 
iiiollier III' tlnrteen children, twelxe nf whom t;rew to niatnrit\. William A. 
heiui^' tlie second. Ihex- left Canada and came to Michii^an in the si.xties. and 
settled in Shiawassee county. They ens;ai;ed m I'arminj;- and carrie<l forward 
the work' with success. Mr. (-iarner rounded out his da\s mi the homestead 
and died .March ] t,. iSXd, at the as^e of se\ent\-four \ears. Mrs. (iarner died 
at the home of her daughter at 1 )urand. .M ichii^an. lia\'in|.;' acc|uired the ma^nili- 
eent ag'e of eii^iit\-six years. She ])assed away .\u<.;'ust N, i<;oi. Thev were 
\'er\' pious parents and were deeply interested in church work. hu\ int;' affiliated 
with the l!a])tist faith. 

William A. (iarner was horn in the count\ of Middlesex. ( )ntario. 
.\u!.;iist I). I ''^.V- ll<-' t^rew to maturitx in the countx- of his hirth, s])ending' 
his ho\hoo(l (la\s on the farm, and receix int; such education as the schools 
<if the da\ could afford. Durinti" these xears he was forniint;" the stront;' 
])liysi(|ue and sturdy character that ha\e marked his career in later life. When 
ahiul tweiU\-twii \ears of at;e he concluded to hroaden out l)e\'oiid the limits 
of one occup;itiou. and took up carpentry, and in a short time liad ac- 
(juired the skill n\ a master hand at the trade. In the >))rin^- of iSti:; he 
emijirated to \'eiiant;o county. rennsyl\-ania. and followed his trade in that 
locality for about one and a half years. In 1 )ecember. iSC/). he came to 
^ienesee count\-, .Michi,L;an. making;" his lieadi|uarters at I'lushinj^'. Here he 

lO 



i4r. BIOGRAPHIC-XL HISTORY 

prosecuted his trade with renewed vigor, and soon ohtained Ihgh standing 
in the community as a workman of the first order, and a man of genuine 
l)usiiiess ahilit}" and integrity. He l;egan contracting and huilihng cm a large 
scale, and de\iited considerahle time tn the cimstructii in nf puhlic huildings. 
After ten nr twehe years he purchased a farm near Flushing, and ])egan oper- 
ating it, devoting the major part of his time t" its culti\-ation. He con- 
tinued this work until 1892, at which time he was elected sheriff of Genesee 
ciiunly on the Reiniblican ticket. Mr. (Earner was an active party man and 
one that ins|jired confidence h}- his sinceritw frankness and courage. I'pon his 
election to the office of sheriff he removed to Flint, and has been a resident 
there since that time. Before his election to this oihce he had held other 
important offices, .such as highway and drainage commissioner and member of 
the .school hoard, being its presideiu for a number of years. .Vnother \alualile 
experience while at Flushing was ten years as deputy sheritt, which iia\ed 
the way for his advance to full control of tiie office. 

Mr. Garner was married October 20, 1868, to ]\Iiss Elizabeth A. .Miller, 
who was born in Cattaraugus county, .\ew York, September 20, 1843. She 
was the daughter of .Mexander and .Marjery ( McDonald ) Miller, both natives 
of Scotland. Thev came to .\merica in the latter part of the '40s and settled 
in Genesee countv, ^lichigan, where they both- ended their days, the father 
dving fmm the effects of an accident, and the mother surviving this shock but 
fort\-se\en da_\s. 

^Ir. and Mrs. (iarner have shown in their daily life the fruits of a whole- 
some home training. Thev are ever willing to .share the duties and responsi- 
bilities of the community life. 

Their familv was made up of four children: George A. died suddenly 
in Detroit, Michigan, when twenty-six years old: Bert ^M. is assistant super- 
intendent in the I'dint wagon woi-ks. ami has pro\-en a source of pride and 
satisfaction to his parents; Elmer W. is prosjjcring in the grocery luisiness in 
Flint: Mnvk I'., is-still a student. 

Mr. (Iarner is not onlv an interested sup])orter of the church, but con- 
tributes largelv to the success of such fraternal b:idies as the ]\[asons. Odd 
IAMI0WS, Grangers, etc. Beyond this he has been dee]:>Iy interested in world 
aft'airs generally, having in 1900 made an extended trip to Europe. He is 
interested in real estate and has quite a large farm in Burton township. The 
familv is affiliated with the Preslnterian church. 




DR. A.\l)kl':\\" SLAGHT. 



Dr. Andrew Slaght was born in Lodi township, Seneca county, New 
Yuri<. December i, 1832. His parents, John and J'hoebe (Howell) Slaght, 
were natives of Xew Jersey, and came from Seneca county, New York, to 
(iencsee county, Michigan, in 184;:. and .settled on a farm in ]\Iundy town- 
ship. They were thrifty and energetic pioneers, and contributed much to the 
sterling tone that characlcri/ed the peo])Ie of the state at that time, and that has 
contributed elfectively ti> the subsc<|uent sanding of the citizenship of the 
"Lake state." They completed their da}s on the farm, the father d_\-ing there 
May 25, 18S1, ha\ ing reached the age of ninetv-one \ears. The mother 
passed away July S, 1S71. age<l seventy-nine years. They were the parents 
of eight children, of whom, Andrew, onr subject, was the youngest. 

The first fourteen )'ears of his life were spent on his father's farm in 
Seneca county. .\'e\\ ^ ork. On coniing west with his ])arents. he remained 
on the farm until t\\ent\-one years of age. growing u]) to be a huskv. mus- 
cular yonth, well calculated to take uj) and push to completion anv under- 
taking to which he nn'ght address himself. He was educated in the Flint 
schools, including the high school conrse. After this he entered the med- 
ical de]);irtment of the State I'niversity, in iS()5, .-md graduated from that 
institution with the cla>s of 1 (X68. Preceding this time he had for four 



148 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

years taught school during the winter >easiin. and worked nut during the 
summer, in this way succeechng in laying up S(.>me funds fiir use when tak- 
ing up his stud^■ of medicine. He was married in ( irand Blanc tnwnship 
April 30, 1857. to Miss Adelia Huff, who was burn in Hastings, Oswego 
county, Xew ^'ork, January J8, 1834. Her father, Jnnathan HuiT, was a 
native Xew Yorker, and died at Hastings in April, 1842, aged sixty years. 
Her mnther's maiden name was Xancy Parks Stowits. She spent the 
cldsing vears of her life in ( ienesee cnunt}', Michigan, and died at Grand 
Blanc at the age of eighty ^•ears. 'idieir family numljereil four children, of 
wlidui Mrs. Slaght was the youngest. 

Dr. Slaght began the practice of medicine in Mundy township, con- 
tinuing there for one \-ear. In iSfMj he came to ( irand Blanc, and here he 
has since resided and carried on hi^ profession. 

He has seen an abundance <if work in his day, and has earned a well 
deserved reputation for efficiency and skill. He places great emphasis on the 
need of attention to the rules of hygiene, and advocates that nature should 
be assisted bv medicine to overcome the ravages of disease. He places a 
great deal of emphasis also on the ini])ortance of the diagnosis, realizing that 
a mistake there will be fatal to success in any circumstance. 

Or. Slaght has also given some attention to his one hundred-acre farm 
in Alundv township, and takes pride and jjleasure in its well kept fields and 
imjirovements. As a branch of this work he has given time to the estab- 
lishment of a dairy. 

Dr. and Airs. Slaght are the parents of three children — Lewis E., W'il- 
li«m M., and Frances A., who is the wife of Dr. J. McLaren, of Oakland. 
CaHfornia. 

He and his wife have sh<.)wn a most commendable pul.>lic spirit, and have 
taken an active part in the social, religious and educational life of the com- 
munity, 'idiev are pillars in the Congregational church, and for about fifteen 
}-ears Dr. Slaght was superintendent d the Sunda>- schoijl. It is the hope 
of their many friends that peace and hajipy contentment may attend them to 
the end of their days. 



(iF.XESEK COl'SVY. M l( 1 1 K i.W. 149 

(iEOR(iIi B. PIKRSOX. 

Mr. ( ieurs^e 1!. Pierson. i)rii])n'etiir nf the (Irand I'lanc Mills, was 
Ixini in 1 -ivin^stiin. Xcw ^'()^k. August 3, i!^33. iiis parents, (ieorge and 
Delxirali Maria 1 iSarr^ws) I'icrscin. wore natives (if Avon. Li\-in_<j'ston conntx'. 
.\'ev\ N'nrix. Ili> niiiilicr died lliere in the '40s. His father eame to Oakland 
connt\', Michi^'.an. in 1S43. hnt remained there onK' a short lime. He soon 
iii()\'ed to I'.ci'ry eounty, where he die<l at the ai^e of fifty-fonr _\'ears. He 
was married the seeond time at ( irand lilane to Susan McCo}', whose death 
oeciirred in the same townshi]). Three ehildren were horn of the first union, 
\'iz. : I larriet, (ieorj^e It., and Jeannette. oi whom ( leorije is the onlv one that 
sur\i\es. He eame to Mieliii^an with his fruher. and most of his time since 
h;is heen spent in this state. He learned the millins^' business while in Xew 
^'ork state, and he has eontinued to make that his life work, his success in 
this line hein.^' a stronj;- testimonial to his thoroug'hness and the mastery of 
the details of his win'k. He became enj^'at^'ed in this work at (irand Pilanc in 
1886, and under his sn])er\ision was built the structure known as the (irand 
P.lanc mills and is operated chiefly under the plan of the custom business. 
.\lr. I'ierson has built u]) a substantial business through the confidence of his 
frienils and ]>atrons. 

He was married in i,i\ingston count\-, Xew ^ ork, lanuarv .4, t8r)0. to 
Miss Mary Jane W ;ide, who was a native of I'ittsford. Xew \'ork. and a 
daughter of Abraham ;md Mariett.a ( Hoi-ton ) Wade. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson 
have lieen the parents of six children. onI\- one of whom siu"vives. this being 
a (laughter. Cecilia .\. 

i he other children all died 111 infaiic\ with the exception of one son. 
Charles K.. who died at (Irand lilanc March 18. t(jo6. Pie attained the age of 
thirt_\"-tour years, and was married to Miss Angeline .Sawver. a native of 
(irand P.lanc township. Their union has resulted in the liirth of one child. 
Dorothy 1 .. 

Mr. ( icorge P. I'ierson is fully alixe. also, to his religious obligations, 
both to himself and community, affiliating with the Congregational faith. He 
is ;i most wortin adherent to the order of Masons. 




ALMEROX D. BANKER. 



]\Ii". Alnierou D. Banker is not a native "Wolverine." but has become 
one 1;)y ad(jption, having been born in Livingston county. Xew York, October 
22, 1847. -H'S father, Marcus Banker, was a native of ^Massachusetts and a 
descendant of sturdy Xew England stock. His mother's maiden name was 
Martha Hanna. She was a native of Xew York. These parents emigrated 
from Livingston county. X'ew York, early in the '70s and came directly to 
Genesee county, Michigan. The}' settled in the western part of Grand Blanc 
township, and here ]Mrs. Banker still sur\"ives and is advancing to a grand 
old age. 

Besides the son, Almeron. there is a daughter. ]\Iary H., who has become 
the wife of \\ . A. \"an Lenuven, and their jiresent residence is at Grand 
Rapids, Michigan. 

Almeron's bo_\diood days \\ere spent 1 in the farm in Li\'ingston county. 
New ^"nrk, where he acquired the habits of thrift, perseverance and self- 
reliance that have stood him so well in hand in his maturer years. His edu- 
cation was such as was afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood. 
He remained at home until he reached his majurity, working in the mean- 
time at such \-arious occupations as came to hand. He came west with the 



(;i-:.\i-:si-:k coL•^"'|■^■. MiciiKi.w. 



I ;i 



family and cmitinuccl (Hi the (arm willi lii> I'allicr iiiUiI llif hitler's dcalli in 
the ei.i^hties. 

Ill- was married nn l-\d)ruar\- _'S Ik Miss l'".li/.a M. llishup, who was 
a daiis^htcr nf Khenezer aiul Alary i.Mnri^aii) ISishnp. Ixith natives nf Liv- 
ingston Cdunly. Xcw ^'(M■k•. The TJishnps were jjioneers in Mundy inunship. 
where h'.liza was hum and reared. 

.Mr. Hanker left the farm in (irand Hlane luwuship after his father's death. 
and rcnioxed to i'etosk}-. Michigan. Here he entered bnsiness lit'e by oper- 
ating a restanrant and bakery. lie luished this w(irk with considerable 
energy and enthusiasm for about two years, at the end of which time he 
returned to .\lundy township, and for the next six years was engaged there 
in farming. .\t the close of this ]>eriod he came to (Ir.and lilanc. in i88g, 
atid engaged in business, lie continued at this occupation for thirteen years 
and then sold out. He lias been a resident of (irand Blanc since iScSc). and has 
been closely identilied with its growth and ad\ancement. He has shown a 
Commendable ])ublic spirit and has alwa\s taken a firm stand for progress 
and impi-o\ement. I lis business ;md executive abilitv have been recognized 
by his townsmen, and evidence of their confidence and faith tonk form in 
his election in M)')3 as ]iresident and general manager of tin.' ( Iraml lllanc 
Telephi uie ( 'i im])an\'. 

He still maintains an interest in his well kei>t farm, and takes ])ride in 
maintaim'ng it in a tirst-class condition. I le has it ei|ni]i])ed with buildings that 
;ire iirst-class and cmn-enient. 

.Mr. and .Mrs. Hanker are the ])arents of one daughter, Ivl'he V... who 
liolds a high place in the estimation of her manv friends. 

Mr. Hanker has not been an as])irant for ])ublic office, but consented to 
serve twn terms as treasm^er of (irand lilanc tovvnshi]i, discharging the 
duties with credit to himself and his constituents. Me is a member of the 
Masonic fraternitv and also of the Maccabees and I^o\a! ( inard. 




WII.IJAM K. r-RATT. 



The \'eteraii and ])atri()t. .Mr. W illiani R. Rratt, has justK- wmi a high 
])lace in tlie esteem of his many friends and ac(|uaintances. He was l)iirii in 
nriiiime CDunty. Xew \iirk. nn Decemlier 2(). 1839. His parents were T"",zra 
and Sarah M. (Corset) Pratt, hotli natives uf .\ew \nrk state, wliere the\' 
were married and later remo\ed to Pennsylvania. After a sojonrn of a few 
years in the latter state, the_\' came to Michio-an, in 1833, and settled in Rich- 
field townshi]). ("lenesee count\'. where the\' spent the ne.xt few \ears in .actix'e 
work at fanning. Here Mrs. Pratt passed to her rest September 17. 1863. 
aged lift_\-fi\-e years. The ne.xt mo\e was to I'dushing. from whence ^fr. I^Titt 
came to Finrton township, at which jjlace he lived ont his allotted time and 
])assed to his reward Xo\emIier 20. i8(S8. ha\ing reached his eightieth ve'dv. 
l'"onr children were horn to this union, v)/..: Charles K.. Renhen .\., \\ illiam 
R.. onr subject, and h^-ances .\.. who died at the age of twent\' ^•ears. 

William R. was fourteen )-ears old when he came with liis parents ti) 
^Michigan. Me remained luider the parental roof until he attained his ma- 
iorit\'. at which time he became emplo\ed ])\ his brother in the painting busi- 
ness. When the thunders of tlie great ci\il strife liegan to rumble and the 
dark and tlireatening war clouds began to lower he decided to put his energies 
toward helping to keep afloat the "ship of state," and conse(|uently enlisted in 



(,i-:.\i':si':i'. cut xi^. aikiik.ax. 153 

Aui^iist. iSf)i. in C'(ini])aii\ A nt the lMt;litli Mirliis^.m X'lilunlfcr Inf.'uUry. 
IIo wciU iiU'i tlie service tn i\" battle t^ the linisli. and tHr I'lmr years and 
twelve (lavs he marched beneath the stars and stripes, putting;' tdrth liis best 
effiirts for the cause, lie was made curpnral. and when the war clused lie 
was mustered nut. takin.i; ])art in the ,t;rand closins;' pageant at Washing- 
tun. I )istrict nt Ci ilumbia. 

( )n Xovembei' 2J. iS()4. he was married ii> .Miss 1 larriette i ). I'Lstes, 
wild was burn in liurtnn township October J^, 1)^43. She was the dau^'liter 
of David and h'.li/a I Somers ) F.stes. both natives of Xew \'ork state. Mr. 
Estes was born in ISroouie countv. while .Mrs. I'.stes was a native of Otsego 
countv. rhe\' came to ( ienescc countv. .Michigan, in an early day and settled 
in what i-^ tiow Burton township, where they lived out the remainder of their 
(laws. Mr. Estes attained the age of sevcntv-seven vears. while Mrs. Estes 
died at tiie age of tift}'-five. Their family numbered six children. The) were 
Dian.a. I'eter D.. Henry. M.iry. 1 lariiet and William 11. 

I '])on his return from the arm\ .Mr. Pratt lived for about two years n|)ou 
a farm in Richfield township, devoting himself actively to the wurk of re- 
acljusting himself to the routine of labor so inlerru])led bv the war. brom 
here he removed to (Irand ISlatic townshij). and in a few \ears transferred his 
o|)erations to Mataniora. in Lapeer count\. removing from thence to llurtnu 
township, where he ])urchased a farm. ( )n this farm he lived continuously 
for thirtv-lhree \'ears. and in April, H)04. came to l-'lint. leaving his fariu in 
Hurton tovvnsliip in good condition, being well im])roved and having ]iracti- 
cally new and substantial buildings. He has taken an active jiart at all times 
in township affairs, feeling that it was just as much his duty to keep in 
touch with the affairs of the people in time of peace, as it was in the time of 
the conntrv's ])eril. He takes a decideti stand for clean and fair conduct in 
public office, and has at all tiiues stood firmly u])on his own convictions. 

Xot onlv as jKitriots but as sharers in the public welfare have .Mr. and 
Mrs. I'ratt assumed their p(irtion of responsibility. Thev are both active 
workers in the Methodist Iqjiscopal church. Mr. I'ratt having been a steward 
of the church forj>ver twenty years, i le is also a member of the (irand .\rmy 
of the I'iepublic. and the McKinlev (ompanv of Veterans and Sons. 



154 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

WILLIAM LAW". 

Air. William Law was Imrn in Scntlaiid. March 22. 1844. of Scutch 
parentage. His father, William Law. was a slmemaker by trade ami lixed out 
his (lavs in tlie land nf his birth. His muther. Catherine ( \\ ondljurn ) Law, 
came to America in 18(13, settled in Oakland county-, Alichigan. and lived there 
until the time nf her death. Their family consisted of four children, of which 
William, the subject of this sketch, was the sec(_)ntl. 

When \\ illiam was eight vears of age the opportumtx' was ottered him 
to come to America with his uncle, James ^^ oodburn. This was no small 
undertaking for all concerned, but after due deliberation the plan was agreed 
to and the party embarked for the new world. The vo\age was made without 
mishap and life in the land 'if Ihe free was begun in fiercer count\-. ( )hio. 
Here he soon learned to adajit himself to the new conditions and grew up to 
sturdy manhooil, applying himself diligently and acquiring valuable lessons 
in self-reliance and practical self-actiA'ity. After elex'en years in the "lluckeye 
state" he came to Alichigan, and in the fall of 1864 he returned to his nati\-e 
land. Scotland. Se\-en months later he returned to America, this time bring- 
ing with him his mother, as aforementioned, and also his brother and sister, 
settling this time in < )akland counl\-, Michigan. 

W ishing to actjuaint Inmself with the e.\tent, resources and possiliilities 
of the great re])ublic he remo\ed, in i8r)(i, to the state of Kansas. There he 
found man\' thnigs to engage his attention, and during the period of his resi- 
dence there he de\dted himself to \"arious occupations, apphing himself to 
whatever opportunity ottered. His experiences there were \'aried, and in man}- 
ways interesting. After a sojourn there of six vears and eight months he 
returned to Michigan, and for the next _\-ear made his home in Oakland count^■. 
His next nioxe was in March, 1873, and this time he came to Flint. He no\v 
tiKik his place as flagman for the 1'. is: M. Railwaw 

Though his duties in this position were not strenuous, yet he performed 
his work so well and established for himself such a reputation for steadiness 
and trustw(.)rthiness that he was soon promoted to a positron in the freight- 
house department of the railway. Here he applied himself closely and in- 
telligenth' to his work. Alwa}s on hand, he was never known to shirk, exem- 
plifying in bis conduct the maxims which have continually Ijeen his rule 
through life. In 1897 ^^'^ '^''^ "^'^ surprised to learn that he was made freight- 



(.i-:.\i-:si':i-: torxTN". MiiiiKiAX. 155 

I111USC' idrcnian. a place wliicli lie lias lilleil In Jiii iraliK' ami most success lull \- 
up to the present lime. 

On Decemher _' i . 1S70. he was joined in matrimony to ]\liss Ruth A. 
JJue--ieil, whii is a nati\e of Michis^an. This union has resulted in the birth of 
ti\e children, as follows; Catherine II., K. Jean, William (i., Hut^'h, and 
lames. 

Mr. Law's activities ha\e not been confinecl altogether to his family and 
liis business. He lias found time to respond to the requests of his man\- 
friends tn [jarticijiate in the management of the Mint scho(d board, and for 
two years of this time he was its secretarw In ])erfi)rming' these duties he has 
at ;dl times been nrndest and unassuming, but has .attended carefulh' tci the 
details nf the wnrk that de\iil\ed u])iin him. 

Mr. and Mrs. Law base been active and helpful workers in the Presby- 
terian church, willingly assisting in the Cdinmunity at large. Mr. Law has 
been an elder in the church fur manv years. 





(iKORCE W. TTlT/rOX. 



Aiming- others of the worth}- ci\-il war veterans that haxe their Inimes 
in Gei-iesee cnunt)- is (ieorge \\". Ililtdii. of I'hnt. Mr. Hihim was Ixirn in 
Pontiac, ]\[ichig-an. Jnne 5. 1835. His fatlier. Roswell HiUon. was a native 
of Monroe coui-ity, Xew \'ork. as was also his motlier, Susan ( Vorhees ) Hil- 
ton. "I liey can-ie from Monroe county. .\e\v \'ork. to Oakland count\-. Micl-ii- 
gan. and in 1N43 the}- proceeded to ( lenesee connt\-, uhiniateh- setthng in 
I'lint township, where the father ended his days. ]\Irs. Hihon (hed in Kent 
count}-, Michigan. She was the mother of eight chikh'en, of w hon-i (ieorge 
was one of tl-ie younger members. He grew- up in wholesome environments of 
the farn-i and after reaching manhood became deeply interested in the ante- 
lieliun-i (|uestions that were stirring the nation. \\ hen the civil conflict finallv 
began he enlisted in Stockton's Independents, whicli afterward became Com- 
l)ai-iv C. Sixteenth Regin-ient of the ^Michigan \'olunteer Infantry. He re- 
n-iaiiied in the service for ftnu' ^-ears and two n-ionths. battling" loyalh- to 
n-iaintain the integrity of the flag. His experiences were such as were com- 
n-|on to the heroes of the struggle. Hardships, exposures, wounds, sickness, 
all were his. vet at no time did he falter, nor diil the tire of patriotism burning' 
within his breast e\-er diminish in its warn-ith. He was wounded at Gaines 
]Mills. and at the famous historic conte>t at ( iettvsburg. On the latter field 



GEXESEE COl ^■^^•. MI(-|ll(i.\X. 157 

lie was SI I severely whuikIciI tlial lie was incapacitated I'lir active service I'di" 
several niniitlis. I lis uiiclaiinted ci>urat;e. abilitv and devotidn received dne 
reciiLjnitiiin. and lie was snon made sergeant nt his cniiipanv. '1(1 trace lii> 
experiences througlinut tlie war would make a volume nf itself. Suftice it to 
say that he particijiated in many of ihe critical en,t;agenieiits n\ the awful 
ci'iitlict and returned at the ch ise of the war to (ienesee cnuiitv. where he has 
lived the majnr part of the lime since, h'^r a few vtars he was located in 
llurun cminty. and while there was elected sherilT, dis]) isiu"' of the duties of 
this cillice in a straigiittcirvv ard and eltective manner. Mis experience in this 
(ifllce lasted tor tour years, and he was deputv sheriff of (ienesee cmmtv under 
ICdward Rust tcj^ahout oi;e_\eir. 

I lis first marriage was t<i .Miss Harriet .\. Russell, who passed to her rest 
while tliev were living in lluroii county. Mis second marriage was to Mrs. 
.\lvira (Ilnrfv) l.ankin. the vvid(ivv of I'hilip I.ankin, who died in fackson. 
.Michigan, lier ])arents were jacoli and Sarah (Smith) 1 'urfv . both natives 
of Canada, ller umoii witli Mr. l.ankin resulted in the hirtli of two children, 
i'rederick -\. and I'.dwin 1'. 

l-'roni the ])reseiit union of .\lr. and Mrs. Hilton thei"e has resulted the 
liirth of one daughter, (lertrude h... who is the wife of K. hjlwards. of l-'lint. 
In their home life Mr. and .Mrs. ! lilton have not ])erniitted the religious atnios- 
])liere to he lacking, hut have identified themselves activelv with the interests 
of the r>a])tist church, of I'lint. .\lr. Hilton is a meiiiher of the ( ieneral 
C'rapo I'ost. (irand .\rmv of the Republic, and li.as <lone mucli towrird the 
success and supjiort of that organization. He is past commander of the post. 
and is at present junior vice-commander. Mrs. Hilton is a staunch worker in 
the Wdmaii's Relief Cor])S. having held such offices as senior vice and chaplain 
for a term of vears. I!olh are interested in perpetuating the priiici])les of 
righteousness and citizenshi]) in the hearts of the growing generation, and thus 
contril)uting their jiortion toward kee])ing intact that heritage won for oiir 
land b\' the hemes of the re])ublic. 



/ 




WILLIAM PAINE. 

Xew York, the "Empire state." lias gi\en tn Alicliigan and other states 
of the middle west many of her early settlers and brave pioneer citizens. The 
Alohawk \-alley of that state formed a convenient opening toward the west, 
while the (ireat Lakes offered a route of travel and turned the tide of emi- 
gratiiin into this section of mu" great commonwealth. As the eastern states 
became more thickly populated people began to turn their e\'es toward the 
inviting areas beyond the mountains, and family after family soon bade fare- 
well to the home of their }-outh to try the realities of life in the forest and on 
the prairies. Among others were the parents of the subject of this sketch, 
]Mr. William Paine. His father. Samuel H. P^aine. was born in what was 
then Tompkins countv. Xew ^'ork. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Susan Crippen, also a nati\e of that state. They removed to jMichigan in 
1844. luaking their home in the \'illage of Flushing. Here he followed for 
some vears his trade as blacksmith, soon gaining a good reputation for hon- 
est workmanship. Later he engaged in farming, following this chiefly till 
his death, although his last days were spent in retirement at Flushing. He 
reached the unusual and grand old age of almost ninety-one years. His wife 
having died at the age of sixtv. Their children were Arminda, wife of Hiram 
P. Ransom; William and Decatur, who now reside in Detroit. William was 



GEXESEE COL'XTN'. M ICI i K ; AX. ' 159 

1)1 ini in rouipkins Cdunty. Xcw \'i)rk. on Xoveniljcr 21. 1S36, ci lining' west 
witli his ])arents in 1S44. lie assisted his tatlier in the siiop till twentv-one 
years of ag'e. tliereby gainint^- inx'aluahle experience. \\liii.-li has l)een iiUdd capi- 
tal for him in the later cnntests of life, l-'ollowinti' this he spent three \-ears in 
sail mining, after wliich he purchased a farm in Cla\ion townsliip. Here he 
lonnd op|)ortnnity to carry ont his own ideas, and soon made marked clianges 
and imi)ro\ements in tlie homestead. In iSijf) he (lis])osed of tlie farm, and 
since then ha> made his home in Mushing, lie \\a> married in L'la\ton town- 
ship on March _'o, 18^)7. to l\ne_\' Richardson. Her father, Alfred Uichard- 
snn. and her mother, Ruev Persons, were natives of .\ew \ ork state, and 
came to ( ienesee county ahout 1836. Mr. Richardson was liorn October iS, 
iSij. and lived till Ma\- 20. 1895. ha\ing gone bexdiid his allotted four- 
score years. Mrs. Richardson was horn .\])ril '1. 1813. and attained to the 
magnificent age of ninety years, departing this life on -\ugiist 6, 1903. ^Ir. 
.and Mrs. Richardson were indeed people of good standing in the coinmunit\'. 
known to every one as kind-hearted, tipright and reliable people. Their miion 
was blessed with three children, two of whom. Idenrv and 1 .iic\'. ha\ing 
answered to the Mimmons of death. Lucv (King while still a child. 

.Mr. and Mrs. i'aine have been blessed with a generous and robust famih'. 
a fact that is l)ecoming more and more rare in these davs. One of the 
daughters, Mary A., is the wife of Samtiel Jones, of Clavton townshi]): an- 
other, Emehne, was married to b'rank Tdolser and has her home in blushing 
township. The other daughters are Harriet. .Mice, and Xellie. Their son. 
W'illard. has made his home in Detroit: another son. b'rank, died in infanc_\". 

.Mr. I'aine lias been for many }'ears a member of the Independent Order 
of ( )dd bellows, atid during this time has faithfulh' lived u]) t<i the princi- 
ples of lirotherb( lod that are so nobl\- 'promulgated b\' this worthy order. It 
is the hope of his man_\' friends that he \'et be spared for tnany years in which 
to realize the ideals that ha\e beeti his constant aim in life. 




ELBERT L. BEECH ER. 



The siiljject of this chronicle. Mr. Elljert L. Beecher, is the descendant of 
a \\(irth}- ancestry in tlie state of Xew York. His fatlier. Xorman .\. Beecher. 
was a nati\e of (?)\veg'o, Tioga county, and his mother of Alfiion. Orleans 
countx'. Xew ^ ork. She was a sister of the Hon. Sniieon \i. Billings, who was 
a ni>ted memher of his coniniunitw 

.\fter due deliheration Mr. and Airs. Beecher decided to tr\' the experi- 
ence of life farther west, and consequently we find them coming to tienesee 
count\'. Michigan, ni i<'^57. The\' took possession of a farm in Cla\'ton trnvn- 
shi]). and on this farm the\' spent the remainder of then' da\s. Mrs. Beeclier 
departed this life in 1^7-'. having' attained the age of fort\'-four \'ears. Mr. 
Beecher li\ed until iS<;_'. reaching niore than the allotterl three-score \ears, 
and going two years he^nnd. 

One of their sons, Cahin I., is lixing on a farm in Clapton township. 
The other, whose name is at the head of this hiographv, was horn in Cknton 
township on Eebruary i8, i860. He spent his growing years on his father's 
farm, thereby getting first-hand experience at nianual labor in the needful in- 
dustry of farni life. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and 
as a boy industriousK- a])])]ied himself to his studies, making himself familiar 
with the rudiments of k'Uow ledge, reali.v.ing their necessity as tools in workmg 



(ii'.xi-'.si-'.i: COIN ^^■. muiik.w. 161 

out ])ri ililcnis (if lifu. lit' also was |)ri\ ilci;"cil to attend the I'lushing sclioois, 
continuiiii^' liis stii lies as far as eirciinistances would permit. He remained on 
the iiome place until twenty-twd \ears of aj^c, at which time he decided to 
launch out on his own resjionsihilit}'. As a result of sturdy effort and untiring' 
enerq'v he now has control of one hundred and sexenty acres of good land in 
C"la\ton towushi]). most of which is well improved. 

< )n .March 3, 1S81. he was married to Miss .\da l'eno\-er. of I'lushinsi' 
tow^^hi]). the ilaus^iiter < f one of the slu.rdy jiioneers of the county, Mr. \\ il- 
liain I). I'eiioyer. The latter came to this \icinit\' in an early -day and he 
drove the lirst team of hiir>e> driven into hlushiui;' hy a white jierson. lieiiii;" 
eleven \ears old at the time, lie has had many e.xcitinq' experiences in g'row- 
ins;" up with tlie conntrv. rdl of which, if ])Ut together, would make interesting' 
chajjters in local history. 

.Mr. I'eecher's grasj) on local ati'airs has resulted in tokens of confidence 
h\' the fellow mcnihers of the comninnux. lie has served as township super- 
\isor for several sears and lias also held official connection with other affairs. 
He is an esteemed memlier of the Masonic fraternity, heing always ready 
to discharge his full duty and carr_\' out to full completion any ohligations that 
ma\' ilevoKe upon him. .\.s a further a])i)reciation of his wiu'th as a citizen 
mention ma\- he made of the fact tliat he has heeti chosen also one of the 
directors of the People's Slate Bank of hdushing. 

It is the hoi)e of his many friends that it ma\' he his pri\'ilcge to reach 
the full fruition of a life so well begun. 



I I 




ia:\ies e. ottaw ay. 



Mr. James E. Ott\v;u' wa.s hnni (tctoljer 17, 1835, at Alaidstnne. Kent 
enunl\-, England. His parents. Ste])lien and Mary (Ralph) Ottawa}-, came 
ti) America in 1S39 and emigrated directly to Elint, arriving there some time 
in Ala\'. The father and older sons went immediately to work in the forest 
in Ckuton township, built a log house and hegan clearing a farm. Several 
other families joined them, and a \()nnger brother, who had been here a year 
or two. assisted in the work. This original tract became the Ottaway home- 
stead and is still in the family. The father died Eebruary 10. 1850. aged fifty- 
two vears. The mother lived till January 29, 1884, ha\"ing reached the noble 
age of eight v-three }ears. 

in all there were thirteen children in the famih', nine of whom reached 
matnritv. and of these three are still surviving. They are Stephen H., of Elint : 
Charles, now at Alamosa. Colorado, and Maria, wife of William C. Gillette, 
at (iraiid Rapids. 

After the father's death James remained for a number of years with 
his mother, assisting in taking care of the four younger children. He was 
married January i, 1866, to ^Jiss Eliza A. Ivyno. daughter of Stiles and 
Mary ( Wan Lieu ) Rvno. wdio came hither from Xew York state in 1835. 



GEXESEE COIN TN. M K 1 1 1( ,.\X. 163 

Eliza was born in Mint AFay 15, 1845. iicr pareius niiivin.L;' tn Clayton town- 
shi]-) t'oin- years later. 

janies was a hard wuri^er and a successful t'anner and in due time ob- 
tained piissessinn 111" the old luimesicad. together with considerable additional 
land. He was an active Democrat and served as township clerk for twenty- 
five successive years. 

In i88() he remo\ed to Fhishini;-. hnilt a ,!;rain elexator and operated it 
in company with Ilirani .\insworth. In conjnnction with this he retained the 
manag'ement of his farm, and he continued to do so until his death, which 
occiua-ed May u. i8(;5. At this time he \vas also the owner of several nice 
residences in h'lushint;-. He and Iiis wife were both Methodists, and he was 
a loyal qlass leader in his church. .Mr. Ottaway was also a member of the 
Maccabee fraternity. Mrs. Ottaway still occu]iies the home in Flushing. 

The children ;ire h'red 1\.. Winifred Irene, wife of H. II. Prosser: and 
Claude \'.. who is assistant cashier at the Peoiile's State Bank in I'lushino-. 




GEORGE PACKARD. 



(ieorg'e Packard. Ixirn in Eebaiion. Grafton countv. Xew Hampshire, 
January i t. iS^Ci, was the sun (if ]\Jr. anil Airs. Thumas Packard, pioneers in 
that count}'. His ancestors were of the sterh'ng Enghsh stock, coming to the 
colonies in 1638. just eighteen )-ears after the Pilgrims "moored their bark 
on tlie wild Xew England shore." His grandfather, Ichabod Packard, was a 
soldier of the Revolutionar}- war. 

Two years before leaving their Xew England home George's parents 
ha<l arranged to purchase some land just south of Flushing, and there made 
their home when arri\'ing in 1841. (ieorge and his brother, Carh.is, operated 
in p.-irtnership as long as his father !i\ed. Carlos was a \-ounger lirother. and 
after his marriage to Florinda Stowell livetl on the farm adjoining the old 
homestead on the south. Carlos, who was born April 18, 1838, died in 
March. 1895. lea\'ing no children, but is siu'vixed Ijy his widow, now living in 
Detroit. The iither brother. Warren, was born in September, 1804, and died 
on Independence daw 1875. at the age of seventy-one vears. His wife was 
Parmela Hartshorn, who survived him till 1888, aged seventy-eight years. 

Of the three sisters one, Emelinc. is deceased. She was married to Henry 
P. Richardson and died in her sixtv-first year in IQOI, her husband having 
preceded her by nine years. 



(iEXICSlCI': COLXTN. M 1( .1 1 1( i.\X. 165 

I'^liza. till' wiiluw iif (leor.ai'e Cronk. is now living;- at l'"lu>hinji', as is also 
the Mtlicr sister, ('amline. and her lui>lian(L Jame-- M. ( ireenfield. 

Mr. Packard continued in partnership witii his father until the latter's 
death. nianaijiniL; the (inaticial part of the Imsiness. 11_\' means of vij^'or. tact 
and enerijv Mr. I'ackai'd succeeded in accuiuulating' wealth, and in time boug'ht 
tlie interests of the other heirs in the home place. I lis linancial powers soon 
led him to Iciok into the hankini;" husiness. and in 1 cSSj he entered into ]);u"t- 
nerslii]) with others and established the h'irst National I'.ank of Flushing-. 

lie was chosen its first cashier, and. although it has now been changed 
into a state bank, Mr. Packard was largel_\- responsible for its financial stand- 
ing and enviable re])utation. haxing the full confidence of all witli whom he 
did business. 

.Mthougli a Re])ublican on national is>ue^ Air. Packard stood first of 
all for cle.an and honest service. He was calm and self-contained, not g'iven 
to much argument, jireferring rather to attend strictiv to business. In 18S3 
Mr. Packard was united in marriage to Miss Ida O'Dell. daughter of Charles 
and lane ( W'hitniore ) f)'l)ell. of Mundv townshi]). She taught school at 
one time. ."^he. with her two sons. Marion and (leorge, survive her husband, 
who departed this life on Thursday. June 14. n)0(>. He was buried in the 
village cemeter\-. attended by the Masonic fraternity and a host of devoted 
relatives and friends, all realizing that the comnuniit\- had lost one of its luost 
walued citizens. 




ORSON ^^". TOCK, :\i. d. 

Dr. Orson W. Tuck, retired, of Flusliing, ^lichigan, was born at Enfield, 
Tompkins county, Xew York. He accompanied his parents to Michigan in 
1856. His parents were Alfred ^^'.. a farmer, and Lydia A. ( Xaumer) Took, 
of Xew York. They located at Plj-mouth, Wayne cunnty, but removed to 
Livingston county in 1863 and lived there till the mother's death. The father 
died at the age of seventy-nine. The doctiir was the onlv one of a large famih- 
to sur\-ive, and he removed to Genesee countv. 

He remained at home until 1862, and then enlisted in Oakland county on 
August 9, 1862, in Compau}' H, Twenty-second Alichigan Volunteer Infantry. 
He served until discharged. June 30. 1865. four weeks before regimental dis- 
charge. He had left the hospital after an exchange uf prisoners for eight 
months, having been at Pemberton and Dan\ille. Virginia. He was cap- 
tured at Chickamaugua on Snodgrass Hill, the Twent}'-second ha\ing been 
placed there to hold this hill. His compan\- went in \\ith fifty-four men. and 
but seventeen survived. All were captured and tweh'e of the seventeen died, 
leaving five to be exchanged. These were alive at the reunion of the ex- 
prisoners of the war of the Twenty-second Regiment at Pi>ntiac in 1906. 
four being in attendance at that time. 

One has since died and the drictor is the onh' ijne left in Genesee countv. 



(;i-.xi-:si-:i': coi'xi ■^', .\iu iii(,.\.\. 167 

The reunion fur 1907 will he held the njth aiul joth uf Septeml^er at I-"lusliiiig' 
with the doctor and George W. lUittun. ni" j-'lushiiii;-. lieuteiKint of Company A. 

The Twenty-second Keg'inicnl went intu actiun with ahont live hundred 
strongf and were terriljly slaughtered. All that were nut killed were captured. 
Of these nearly all died, so that in kjoO at I'ontiac but nineteen were present 
at the reuniiin. It was (jne uf the greatest sacrifices of the war and there is 
imw a nionunicnt at Snodgrass Hill, where they suffered so hea\il_\-. 

Orson Tock, with health shattered while in prison, returned to his par- 
ents in Li\ingston county. lie attended school at \'psilanti Seminary. Later 
he graduated in medicine f n 'Ut the State l'iii\ersitv in 1S70. lie taught dur- 
ing his vacations and began his ])ractice at ilartland. Li\ingst<in countx'. He 
also practiced at Ciaines and New Luthrop. When the latter place was started 
he l)uilt the first dwelling. 

The doctor took a j) ist-graduate cuurse at liellexue. Xew \i>rk. anil 
l\ush Medical College. Chicago. l''rcim a wide ])ractice at Xew Ldlhrup he 
went to l-'lushing. where he was actixe fur twenty _\ears. He refused the 
])osition of assistant detnonstrator at .\nn Arbur. preferring to engage in 
active practice, which has covered abunt tbirt\' \ears. 

Dr. liick has dealt in cit\" and farm i-eal estate, and has nuw almut ti\e 
humlred acres <if land in Michigan. Altngcther he has sexeral thuusand acres 
of land, mcjst of which is ini])r(i\ed. ilc has city real estate and additions 
to Creat T'alls. Abmtana, and interests in Pierre, South Dakota. He S])enils 
his winters in ?\I(il)ile. .\labama. where he has erected several houses. 

.\lthnugh he has been a member nf man\' medical societies — local, state 
and natidual — he has cunllneil his attentiun tu his practice. He dues nut write 
on mech'cal sul)jects and has held aluuf fi-uni ])ublic mailers, lie has been a 
Republican for years. 

The doctor was married at llartlaml. Michigan. l-'ebniar\- 2~ , iS7_' to 
Miss F.lla M. Cmuse. daughter uf llun. Kuberl Cmuse. \A Ilartland, ex- 
member of the legislatm"e, and a leading man ^A Lixingstun cuuntv. She was 
born at Harlland, and a twin sister lives at Cle\-el;ind. She mu\es in lucal 
societies, but is a hume-Iu\ing bod\'. 

'idle family includes twu children, Clarence and Marv L. Clarence R. 
Tnck li\es in Marlbum, .Massachusetts, hax'ing a responsible position with the 
electric lamp factory, the largest in the cuuntry. 1 le is a gr;iduate uf .Stevens' 
In.stitute of Technology at Ilubuken, Xew jersey, having taken a cuurse in 



[68 BIOGRAPHICAL H [STORY 

mechanical engineering. He married Miss N'erna Parrish, nf I-"lushing. 
(langliter of (leiirge ^^'. Parrish. 

}i[ar\- L. Ti )ck married T. K. Darrough. a merchant at Muliile. Alal>ama. 
She is a high schiml graduate. Pier two cliildren are Orson T. and Ella 
Barbara. 




I WII'.S M. CRl-.P'.Xl-'ll'-.l.l). 



The intercstirig ,'ui<l worlln Mil)j(.'cl nf this skelcli was bi.irn in Detrftit, 
Miclii.yan. dii July 30, 1S41. ( )n the side ni' his patefiial ancestry we find liim 
descended fi'imi the liard\- Scntcli race, his lather. Julm (ircentield. havin;^ 
lieen a native i>l' Scutland. lli> iiintliev. Miss Mar\ 1 )a\en]iiirt. a nati\e of 
Xew ^ll^k state, with her husliand came in Michis^an in an earl_\- day to 
cast tlieir Int in the xij^i irnus and mljust "lake state.' I lis father was an 
eni^ineer \>y prufessinn and (hed at Ontonation. Micliitj'an. (Hi .\harch (>. iSru. 
Mis nicitlier .met an unlimelx death in a tratjic wav in Ans^ust. 1X^)3. .Slie 
was nil l)(iard the steamer " i'e\\al)ic." which was tlien cmssitit;- Thiind.ay hay. 
E\-en in (Hir nwn daw aUhnii^'h tlie j^'reatest pix'cautinn is 1)einii" exerci.sed 1 in 
every lia.nd. fatal as well as snnietimes linrrilile accidents are of daily occur- 
rence, and liunch'eds nf precinns h\es are snuffed mit hke a candle, and this 
withiiut a niiiment's notice. .Such w;is the s;id fate ni .Mrs. (ireenlield. '1 he 
steamer 1 m which she wa> ji lurnex ini;" suddenly cnllided with ani>tlier. the 
■".Metenr." and the clia])ter (if many li\es \\as hmu.^ht tn an une\])ected close. 

Their famil\- consisted of li\e children, nf which James was the third. 
They left Detmit when James was almut ei.i^iit years of age. He reiu;u'ned 
at lioiiie until eitihteen. at which time he took up the trade of a machinist at 
the Detroit Seminarw and then later served twd vears as an api)rentice. .\fter 



ijo BIOGRAPHICAL HI STORY 

this he returned to the Upper P'eninsula, Houghton, .Michigan, and was there 
engaged in a mercantile estahhshment until the breaking out of the Civil war. 

The fires of patriotism were l)in'ning strongh- within his Ijreast. and 
when the great crisis came nn the sons of Michigan resjionded to the call in 
a way tliat has brought endless lionnr to that noble state. The call for \dl- 
unteers was heralded throughout the land and no one responded more 
eagerly than James ]\I. (Greenfield. He enlisted in the Seventh ^Michigan A'olun- 
teer Infantry in the summer of 1861, and started out, leaving friends and 
kindred ties, tii do battle for the grand old ilag. lie was discharged on ac- 
count of wounds in December, u'-^f^, ;ind tlie record of his valiant service, his 
unselfish devotion to the cause, and the long and weary years of exposure to 
the elements and ])rivations of war would make a volume worthy of the noblest 
patriot of anv land. 

Time and space forbids the giving of the details of this interesting period 
of Mr. (ireenfield's career, but mention must lie made of one or two inci- 
dents. (J)ne of the fiercest and most h.oth' contested battles of the wlmle re- 
bellion was that of Antietam. The fearful carnage of war found here full swa}-, 
and in the midst of this bitter conflict a bullet i)f the eneniv found its wa)' 
into the breast of our friend. It sometimes happens that men get wcmnded 
in the Ijack, but not so in this case. 11 is face was always to the front. He 
sur\i\ed this shock, how e\-er, and as soon as able, again j< lined the ranks. 
Another liattle of note was on the hard-fought field of bredericksburg. This 
was a time when brave men met bra\e men. Here Mr. ( ircenfield again was 
called upon to shed blood for the cause, ha\ing recei\ed another ugly wound in 
the right limb December 13, iS6j. Reco\-ering from this he again plunged 
into the fray, doing valiant ser\ice until t8(>4, when he was again shot at Cold 
Harbor. This time in the left arm, and so severe was the wound that he 
was totalK' <lisabled for further ser\-ice. ruid was conipelled, though un- 
willingly, t(j return to his home. 

After following different occupations until 1870 he engaged as cai:)tain 
and in other capacities on lake steamers ph'ing Lake Superior. In 1875 he 
came to Genesee county, ]\Iichigan. ;md purchased a farm in Flushing town- 
ship and occupied this for ten _\ears. In the spring of 1885 he was gi\en 
the clerkship in the office of the state land commissioner, holding this appoint- 
ment fen- fi\e }'ears. at the close of which he returned to Flushing, where he 
has since resided. 



(,KXI£SEE Lt)l'\ ^^■. MUim.AX. 171 

lie was marrioil in i^J4 tn Miss C'ar<iliiic I'ackanl, wlif) was Ixirn in 
l-'liisliini;- April 3. 1X50. and was the daug'lUer of 'rimnias .and rarniclia 
I'ackanl. Mr. and .Mrs. (Ireenlield are the ])arents of two living- children — 
Sadie and James Jl. Mar\- !•'. died in her twenty-second year, and another 
dan.i;lUer. .Millie, was called a\va\- at the ])r( unisini;' a,g'e of ei.giiteen. as was 
also the case of Carrie A., another ilan^liter. .Mr. (Ireenheld has taken an 
able part in the activities of the Kepnhlican part}-, having served as delegate 
in man}' of their important coiuentions. lie is one of the directors of the 
State Bank of h'lushing, and has in many wa_\s participated in the general 
actix'ities of the coninuinity. 

One would natnralK- exiject to Ihid him \itall\' connected with the (irand 
.\rm_\- of the Republic, and in this we are not mistaken. He is a charter mem- 
ber of the Ransom Post. Xo. 89. and has served at difterent times as com- 
mander of the post. Furthermore, he lias not only attended all the state and 
national encampments since iSSj. but has been called upon to sers'e in these 
departments at difterent times. MeiUion luust also l)e made of his notable 
work as a memljer of the Masonic fraternity. He has not stopped with mem- 
liership in the Blue Lodge. Xo. 223, but has gone forward and up until he has 
reached the Alvstic Shrine. More words are not needetl to make further 
comiuent on the record Mr. (Ireentield lias made. His life speaks for itself. 
Tt is in this instance certain]\- true tliat his record is his life's best commentarx'. 




ROBERT I. \\"]IAI.P:Y. 



Keen l)usiness insight and acute jjowers as a financier are some of the 
traits of one of I^'lint's representati\'e citizens. ATr. Roljert J. Whalev. He 
was Iji.irn in Castile, \\\'oming' county, Xew \'ork, Deceml.ier 8, 1840. and the 
first ten )'ears of his life were sjient at I'ike in the same count\'. His mother 
died when he was eight Ti'ears old and two years later his father, Jeremiah 
M. W hale\-, renio\ed to Hudson, Wisconsin. He had followed the mer- 
cantile trade in Xew \ ork. and upon his arri\al in Wisconsin opened 
nj) a general store, later becoming postmaster during I'resident Pierce's 
administration. He continued more or less actixely in business until his death 
at the ad\anced age of eight}' }'ears. He was intimateh' connected with the 
growth of the commonwealth, and was at one time a candidate for the legisla- 
ture fr(]m a district which comprised the west side of Wisconsin up to Lake 
Su])erior. Robert remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. 
at which time it fell to his lot. at the death of an uncle, to return to New York 
strte to care for his grandmother. Here he remained until his grandmother's 
death, which occurred in 1865. After settling" uj) the estate and coming back 
to Wisconsin, he was married in 1867 to Miss ]\Iary McFarlan. of Flint, whom 
he had pre\ii.>usl\' met in Xew \'ork-, where she had been \-isiting. Coming 
to I'dint in the autumn of 18(17 he went into the empIo\- of his father-in-law. 



(il-.XESEE (,'()l■.V^^■. MK lIKiAX. 173 

Mr. Alcxaiulcr Mcl'"arlan, rcniainiiis^- there uii(il tlie lalter's ileath in iSSi. 
Mr. Mcl'arlan liad exlensixe business interests. Iieini;' en^'ayed ■ in a larj.;-e scale 
in hmiherin.s.;' and nianutaotiu-inj;-, eni])liiyin!.i- frcmi lil'tv tn si\t\- men. Mr. 
W lialey si " in evinced al)le business traits, and was slKiinlx L;i\cn ilie supervisinn 
of inipiirtant dep.-irtnients in llie ])lauin!;- and saw niill^. I'liex' ynt nut their 
own iii^s and wnrked up tmni six tn eii;1u niillinn feet .innuahN-. Tliis l)usi- 
iiess ex'entually dechned w illi the approachint;' scarcit} nf tiui1)er. 

I'lmn the ciri^anizatidu nf the Citizen.s' liank. .Mr. W hale\- liecame one 
cpf the du'ectors. heint;' the \'ciunL;est nne 1 m the Ijoard. Sterling;' merit, cnn- 
.scientiiius elTort. and a ci.nnprehensive g'rasp of business situations generally, 
soon won tor liiiii the confidence and esteem of all with whoni he came in 
cont.'ict. .\lr. .Mcl'^arlan was a liea\\' stockholder in the bank, and he encour- 
aged .Mr. W'haley tn make himself thon mghh- familiar with all the ])hases of 
the bank's business, lie became boiikkeei)er ;md .'Utended tn all the cnllectious. 
Ere long lie was made ]>resident and has cnntinued m that c,-i])acii\- until the 
present, although the bank was reorganized in tlie meantime and became the 
Citizens" Commercial and Savings Bank. Mr. W'haley Ii.as been ;i bank presi- 
dent tor o\er tw ent\-se\en years, which exceeds the time nf ;m\- other similar 
officer in this section of the state. 

During his period of association in liusiness with AFr. Mcl'"arlan their 
business relatii mshi]) was exceedingly cordial and mutually satist'actnrw Mr. 
Mcl'arlan had lumber interests at Saginaw, including extensi\-e land ]iiisses- 
sions. as well as several residence i)ro])erties in an<l abnut the cit\'. Mr W'halex' 
was thiirdughly familiar with all the details of Air. McFarlan's intricate 
afilairs. and at the latter's death was nf invaluable assistance in settling u]i tlie 
affairs of the estate, in which he has been given special interest 1)\' the terms 
of the will. 

()| late .\lr. W haley h.as given his entire time and interest to his duties as 
president n\ the bank, but he has outside interests as well. His services are 
continuallv in demand by the \arious civic ;md coqiorate factors in the cnm- 
nninity life, lie has been made directnr in varinits institutions, such as the 
(ias Com])any. the Peerless Naive Cnm])anv. the h'gvptian Lenient Cnmpanv 
< pf l''eiitnn. etc. 

Mr. W'haley's cnnnection with the ])iiblic interests of the cnuimunitv are 
also wninliy n\ mention, having been at one time trustee of the state charita- 
l)le schools. In this cniinectinii there nccurred an event that nni niilv attracted 



174 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

considerable cumment and notice, l)Ut it was an act in itself that was unqiue 
and unexpected. In i8(jJ lie returned td the state $25,000 of the appropria- 
tion for the charitable schools. These were the schools for the deaf, the one 
for the blind at Lansing', and the industrial school at Coldwater. As a result 
of this action on his part l\Ir. W'haley was singled out for a target and it 
affords him considerable merriment tn rellect that as a reward for his economy 
he was legislated out of office. 

On general principles ]\lr. Whalev is a Democrat, although when the free 
silver •whirlwind swept oxer the countr\' his sound financial ways of thinking 
led him to ally himself with the gold standard \iews. This. howe\'er, did 
not turn him into a Republican at all, lint led him rather to a conservative 
attitude in political situations generalh'. 

;\Ir. and Mrs. W'haley lost their only child. ;i boy. when he was ten 
y^ears of age. The}- are intimately connected with the lodges and kindred 
societies of the communitv. Air. \\'hale\' has been for vears the finance 
keeper frir the Knights of the Modern Maccabees, discharging his duties 
so efficienth' that his election to this office cijiisists not of a ballot, but simply 
by re-appointment without an opposing candidate. All disliursements con- 
nected with the affairs of this .societv are made through bis office, and the 
sum total, so far. have exceeded $12,000,000. an unuNual record, and one that 
has furnished data for comment far and wide. In the societies of the Mac- 
caliees far and wide he has become known as "the man who never talks." 

He is thorougiih- interested in high-grade stock, especiallv horses. He 
has had imported stock in his possession at various times and enjovs a (lri\-e 
behind a s])irited team, although his interest does not lead him in the direc- 
tion of the sporting arena. 

Air. and Mrs. A\"hale}'"s co-operation in the affairs of the Episcopal 
church has also. been both \-aried and freely gi\'en. their many-sided activi- 
ties adding measureablv to the sum total of the communit_\''s .g'rowth and 
achancement. 



GEXl-.SI'.l-: COIXTN'. MKllKiAX. 175 

j( )ll.\ IIAMII.roX. 

Jciliii I lamilt( ill. tatluT ni' \\ illiam 1 lamilii m. late uf I'liiil. was a piniieer. 
wlicisc earlv lile liislnry turnis an intercstiiii;' narrati\e. Tlic funncr was \)i>vn 
at ISerwick, in the state nf Maitie. mi tlie jSlli day of ()cliil)er, ij'^o. At the 
aye I if l"( iiirteen he was taken tii ('iin\\a\, Xew ^'l|^k. and at the breaking out 
III' tlie "seennd rexuliition" in : S 1 _' he enlisted in a Xew Ynvk regiment, 
'riirdiighniil the war he chstins^tiislied liiniself h\- acti\e and ennstant service, 
lieing a ])artici|)anl in the engagements at l,nnd\'s I.ane. ()delhiiwn. and nther 
points. He was Later in det.ached ■^erxice at i'etniit and remained there till 
discharged fn im the ser\ice in iSi-. 

In iSk) he came ti IJirmingham. Oakland cnimty. .Michigan, and was 
the lirst nan in make a land eiitrx in that \-icinily. In 1822-23 lie \-isited 
Saginaw and engaged in the Imsiness nf carr\ing pri visions to tlie ginern- 
meiit troops at that pnint. which was then a trading \)n^{. TratVic with the 
Indians had become (|uile e\tensi\e and attracted ti 1 this liicalit\- manv am- 
bitious and \enturesome jieople. On the mnte nxerland fmm Detmit to 
Saginaw. I'ulnnel llamillnn tmind ;it thepuiin where hlint n<iw stands a white 
man named Jacnb .Smith, a Irdf-bned named h-dward l';im])iiin. and an Indian 
named Xa-a-ke-chick. li\ing in liidge^. These lodges oxerli n iked the stream, 
on whiise waters at the time sped man\ a birch bark cam'C. 

C'lilnnel Ilamiltnn upened np stage rnute-- fmm Hetrnit tn I'lintiac. and 
alsd Iri 'Ui Detroit to Chicago. In 1S43 he came tn I'dint ;nid built the saw 
mdl later nperated In- bis s;in. \\ illiam. lie was a true t\'pe nf the .\mericati 
])iiineer. (if a t'earless, u])right and decisive character. He (bed januar\- 8. 
1860. ha\ing ])revioiisly arranged to lia\e his funeral ser\-ice taken in ciiarge 
of by his old jiastor. Ixcw II. II. .Xnrtbrd]). whn had ])erformed a like duty at 
si.\ flitterent times upon the death nf that nian\ uf his children. His children 
that sur\-i\ed him were l\nfns, whd died later in Californi.a : Mrs. I'lhira 
lvHise\elt. who died in l'"el)ruar_\-, Kjoj. at Detmit: Mrs. L. !1. C'bilds. of 
I'liiU. a well ])reser\'ed woman of eighty-live \ears. and Mrs. M. Redman. 
i'\ 1 )iiluih. Minnesdta. 




WILLIAM HAMILTOX. 

William Hamilton, late of Flint, was born at Binningham, Oakland 
county, Michigan, on January ii. 1824. When a bov he carried the mails 
from ^Michigan City to Chicago, the contract for this work having been taken 
by his father. In 1843 he came with his parents to Flint, where he was des- 
tined to act a pnmiinent and effective part in shaping the citys future growth 
and development. He joined his father in operating a flour mill, and in 1848 
he. with his brother. Oliver, assumed full control of the mill, continuing to 
do so until the latter's death in 1856. after which William became the sole 
owner. Following this he engaged extensi\"ely in the lumljering business in 
company with John Cameron, of the Hudson Ri\er Company of Xew York. 
!Mr. Cameron never lived in Flint. Inu entrusted his affairs here to the care of 
Mr. Hamilton. The latter next associated himself with Mr. William Mc- 
liregor. and this partnership lasted for over thirty-one years. 

yiT. Hamilton became closely identified with the growing interests of the 
rapidly tleveloping country, especially in matters pertaining to transporta- 
tion and the development of the natural resources of the state. In the '70s 
he was one of the directors and secured the land grant for the railroad running 
from Lansing to Port Huron, which later became the present Grand Tnink 
Railwav. Its track was laid across Saginaw street in Flint on Sundav before 



(ii-:xi':si':i': col .\'i\', aiichk.ax. 177 

the new ciuincil, which was tn come into (itfk'c dii Mnndav. could take steps 
to prtncnt the work. 

Mr. lianiilton was one of the slockhohk-rs in tlie original water coni- 
|ian\' of the city, and aNo of the gas coni])any. when lirst organized. lie was 
a prime mover in promoting and setting upon a good husiness hasis these 
and other ])uhlic utilities. He huilt the C'it\- Mills in iS^t). In coni])an\- with 
|. 1!. .\t\\<tod he huilt the IJryant Hotel hlock, which at that time ligurcd as the 
o!il\- tirst-class hotel in i'lint. They also hnilt the postofhce building, which is 
still occupied as such. The armory for the L'nion ISlues was another product 
of his han<ls. as was also the erection of the < )ak ( lro\-e sanitarium, of which 
lie was treasurer until the time of his demise, k'urthermore. he was one of 
the founders of the Citizens" Xational Pank. which later became the Citizens' 
Commercial ISank. \\ hen establishing the Citizens' Xational I'.ank he and 
Colonel I'entou went to Washington to seciu'e the charter. Colonel kenton 
was made the first president of this bank. Mr. Hamilton acting as lirst \'ice- 
])resident. Later he was made jjresident and held that oftice for se\'eral years. 
.\s stated above, he was one of the ()rganizers of the gas company and was 
its president at the time of his death. ;md also president of the water works. 
His sersices were in constant demand by the i)ul)lic. to which he gave seven- 
teen years of his time, holding such places of trust as mayor, alderman, etc. 

With all these manifold activities it would seem that his time would liave 
been completely monopolized, but his field of (]])eration extended even farther, 
reaching out also into tlie agricultural resources of the region. He controlled 
a two hundred-acre farm in lUu'ton township, and owned the three hundred 
•and forty-acre tr.ict. a ])art <if which became the new sub-division of klint. 
When the water works located in this section of the cit\' he foresaw that the 
town would gi"ow in this direction, .and his prediction has since been \eritiecl, 
1 1 ami 1 ton avenue Iia\'ing taken its name from this source. He \'isite(l his farms 
daily. gi\ing his ])ersonal attention and su|)er\ision. He ga\e much attention 
to tine stock and inipoi-ted the first Hereford cattle brought to (ienesee count\'. 
He also bred shorthorn stock and exhibited regularly at tlie local fairs, of 
which association lie was ])resident. which embraced all the northeastern 
counties of Michigan. 

His death was a matter of more than local concern. The funeral was 
one of the most largely attended of any in the history of the cit\'. C])on 
Major Cold's proclamation all business in tiic citv was sus])ended. The post- 
12 



178 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

office »vas closed under orders frnm \\ asliington. Resulutinns poured in upon 
the relatives from various siau'ces, and the members of the citv council at- 
tended in a lii.idy. headed by the ma\(>r. The pallbearers were all directors of 
his own bank, and consisted of S. C. Randall. B. Frank Cotharine. I'"r:mk 
Dullam. Hon. j. J. Carton. ( ieneral C. S. Brown ar.d Joseph H. Rankin. Of 
these six distinguished citizens three ha\e since crossed the border to ioin 
their ctmu-ade. 

Mr. Hamilton \\as a Republican, l>ut a man of most lil)eral and sane 
\iews. never antagonistic to progress, and one whose influence and counsel 
were much sought fo rin matters public and private. His business policv was 
that of a conser\-ati\e. advocating the maxim of never going into debt, ^^"hen 
the matter of |)ul)lic impro\ements came up he took the stand that onh- such 
expenditures should be made as could be paid for. This was the rule laid 
down for himself and be advocated the same ])olic\" for the transaction of 
pnl)lic affairs. 

Mr. Hamilton was married in .Septemljer 2j;, 1S30, to ]\Iiss Frances 
Marum, of blint, who was born in Ireland. She received her education in the 
Sacred Heart Convent in Killarne\' count)', and came to the United States 
when twentv-one \ears of age. and was married the following ^•ear. She 
was a \\oman of rare musical trdent and taught the art with great success. Of 
the seven children bom to this union three died in infancv. Those reaching ma- 
tin"it\' were Mrs. ?\lar\- Peltier; I'dizalieth, who died at the age of twenty years 
of tuberculosis: ()liver J., who died of heart failure six months liefore the 
death of his father, aged thirty-nine years, his death being a great blow' to 
his father, with whom he was associated in business: another daughter, Min- 
nie, is the wife of .Vrtlnu' Loranger, a huuberman doing a prosperous business 
in Hammond, Louisiana. 

Mrs. Flamilton died Jul}' 5, 1904, at the age of seventy-se\'en }'ears. hav- 
ing been an aclixe member of the Roman Catholic cluu'ch. of which her hus- 
band was also an attendant and comniunicant. 

Mar\' b'rances ( Haniilton ) Peltier was married to Philip B. Peltier 
Ianuar\' j8, 1874. ]\lr. Peltier was born at IMonroe. Michigan, in .Vugust, 
1845. of b'rench ancestry. His father was Ezekiel A. Peltier, and his 
mother's mtiiden name was ]\Iary \'. La Due, both of French ancestry, and 
both born in IVtroit, he in 170'). and she in 1804. ;\lr. I'liilij) Peltier still 
owns the original farm, which has lieen in the family since 1842. It is just 



(ii-:.\i':sKK eoix ^^■. miciikiax. 179 

smilli lit Miinrue and close t<i the nM 1)att1e scene of tlic war of 1812. Since 
Air. I'cltici' has been associated with the liamilton .and IMcOrcg'or interests, 
anil since Mr. Idaniilton's death, lias handled the Hnrton township farm, 
spoken of hefore, and also controlled the liryant llotel and other jjroperties 
belonging to his wife, lie settled np the Tlaniilton estate. In 1890 he en- 
tered tlie flouring mills, and in connection with ( )li\er J. Hamilton operated 
them until the latter's death. 

The I'eltier family consisted of li\e children, three of whom are still 
living. They are: William II., who is auditor for a manufacturing com- 
pany in Chicago: hrank M. is with the Concrete Construction Compan\' of 
Chicago: .Vdelaide is at home with her parents. She was educated in the 
Sacred Heart school, where the three generations of this family" have received 
such able training. The I'eltier home, recently erectd, is on Detroit street, 
and here man\' warm friends hnd a genuinely social an<l inviting atmosphere. 




ALBERT E. RANSOM. 



Alljert E. Ransom was Ijom twD miles southwest of Flushing April 23. 
1858. His parents, Ri)l)ert I', and Angeline (Smith) Ransinn, both hail 
from New York state, the nicither's Imme having been in Hamilton, New 
York. The Ransom famil_\- has Ijrancbed out in many states, one of the 
memljers serving' at one time as governor of Michigan. Another one uf the 
boys, Randolph, as captain of a Michigan company of volunteers, was killed 
at the second battle of lUill \\U]) in the C\\\\ war. (3ther members of this 
family settled in the different parts of Michigan, some coming to this vicinit}-. 
Albert's parents when arriving settled on the farm where he was born. Here 
his father died in i8go, aged sixt\-nine \ears. The mother spent her last 
years in I-"lushing, having sur\'i\ed until 1901, aged se\-entv-se\-en years. 

Other members of the famil\- beside Albert were Ransler B., now in 
Flushing; William; Simeon M., remo\ed to Rico, Colorado; Marvin P.; John 
P. : and Charles, who died in childhood. All Init Simeon live in this vicinity, 
and are well-to-do and respected citizens. 

Albert spent his bovlniod days on the farm, attended high school, from 
which he was graduated in 1879. and l>egan teaching at the age of seventeen. 
He continued teaching in district and village schools until 1882, when he pur- 
chased the local newspaper, called the "P'lushing Patrol." In the meantime he 



ni'.xi-'.si-.i': coi xi ■^■. miciik.ax. isr 

was inarricil, (>t\ Aus^iisi n). iNSo, ii. Miss [■'.lizalietli I., (irinnell. wIki was also 
a teacluT, aiiil was liuni in Mcnipliis, .\1 ie-liii^an. Mr. Kansuni nnw s:(ave Ills 
attcntiiiii 111 his new siiaptT, clian^ini;- tlic name tn llie "l*"lusliin,!;' ( )1)sei"\'er." 
This ])ai)er was establislied h\- 1). ('. Ashniun in iXjf). In i8(j2 Mr. Ransom 
was made cnnnty seliudl cnminissn mei', and ininie(halel\- turned his paper over 
III ntliei's 111 take eare nf while lie t;ave his entire time t<i the school work. His 
pre\ ions experience as a teacher t^axe him a hroad ,t;ras]) of the school situation, 
which enahled him to inau,t;'in'ate and set on foot mau\- needed reforms in the 
schools of the count}-. He raised the standard of teachin.t;- to a profession, and 
insisted on better and more s\-stematic grading; of the pupils, and demanded a 
higher ])rofessional e(|m|iment on the i)arl of the teacher. Fearless of opposi- 
tion, lie succeeded in estahlislini!.; and iiKiintainiiig an excellent corps of teach- 
ers. He succeeded in securing' his^ii grade instructors for his institutes and 
may justly feel proud of his school record. Xeedless to say that his twenty 
years' ser\ice mi the local school hoard has been not onlv constant, but char- 
acteristicalK- eti'ective. 

After his six years of service as school commissioner Mr. Ransom again 
assumed control of the "Obser\-er." This ])laiit is now ecjuipped with mod- 
ern machinery and is producing- first class work, and now has a wide circula- 
tion, which complete!}' co\ers the field. Although a Re])ublican, Mr. Ransom 
makes the "Obser\er " a newspaper rather tli;ui a ])olitical organ. 

He is a member of the Michigan Press Club, and is one of the directors of 
the People's State flank. He shows his s])irit by his interest in the ball games 
of the da}-. 

Their daughter, .\gnes, was born Sei)teml)er 19, 1884. and adds sunshine 
to the home b\- her ])resence. 







JAMES B. FRENCH. 

]\Ii-. James B. French, a successful business man of Flushing, was born in 
Flushing- township June 14, 1858. His father, George A. French, was the 
first male white child born in Flushing township. He was born in September, 
1837, and died there in 1898. The grandparents came to Michigan from the 
state of \'ermont and were pioneers in this section. James" mother. Harriet 
^^'oodruff French, died in November, 1906. 

At the age of twenty years James began work in Hart & Clark's flour mill 
and was connected therewith fi;)r thirteen years. He soon became familiar 
with all the ins and outs of the business, holding the place of head miller for 
eleven years. .Vfter the death of ]\Ir. Clark he took full charge of the mill, 
which he conducted on shares. 

Tn 1891 he associated with himself Freilrick A\'. Glass and set up in busi- 
ness in an old storage house, with the sign "French & Glass, produce dealers." 
Their capital was about S5.000, and they began liy liuying up and shipping 
butter and eggs fn nu the country merchants. In a short time they began to 
handle agricultural implements also. In a few years ^Nlrs. French became 
sole proprietor of the business, taking up his f|uarters in a building which 
stood on the site of the old stone house. This structure, built of brick at con- 
siderable cost, contains two stories and a liasement, measures twentv-four by 



(ii':.\i':si':i': coiw in. miciik.ax. is;, 

(ine Iuiniln.'(l feet, hut in s])ilc ni its size, is tilled fruiii cx'lhir to garret with a 
fine stock of g'oods. niailc up ni harilware. tinware and ntlier general merchan- 
dise. Other hiiikliiigs and warehouses ha\'e heconie necessary to furnish 
room fnr the agricultural im])lements. wagons. Iniggies. etc.. which are con- 
stantly k-ept in stuck. It is needless to say that the ])roperty and stock com- 
bined represent a sum nf consider;d)le \alne. About 7.000 cases of eggs are 
hancUed ,annu.all\'. i'lie butter and eggs are shipped nnK" in carluad lots, and 
generally sent to eastern markets. A large force of clerks is constantly cni- 
pl(j}'ed in handling their goods. 

Air. l-"rench also has a branch store at .\ew Lothro]^ and ipiite a \ohime 
of bu-iness is transacted there also. lUit Mr. l-'rench's business abilitx' and \'en- 
tnres .are not alone conlincd to the mercantile line. He is a stockholder and 
directoj- in the I'eople's ]'>anl< and .also owns stock in the Postoffice block, 
which was erected in 11)03 at a co>t of not less than Si 7.000. Furthermore. 
Mr. h'rench controls a farm of considerable \alue in Mt. Morris township, 
and is getting a g(.)od start in the thoroughbred stock line. 

.Mthougli a life-long Republican and often seen in the convention, Mr. 
French makes no boast of being a politician. Fie was married in .September. 
i88t. to Julia Somnier. daughter of James Sommer. machinist and four.dry- 
man of I'lu^hing. .^he was born at Hazelton. Shiawassee county. Their son. 
Redford, is emploxed in his father's business. He received his education at 
Assumption College. Sandwich. Ontario. 

Mr. I'rencii is a member of the IMasonic order, thus seeming to make his 
roundnii of associations com])lete. He is a striking exam])le of what pluck 
and perse\erance can accom]jlish. 




EDWARD Al. SAKIKOX, \\ S. 



One of the successful aud widelx- experieuced \eteriuary surgeons of 
Flint is Air. Edward AJ. Saigenn. of (no Tierson street. lie was born in 
Coldwin township, Erie county, Xew ^'tlrk. June lo, 1874. His father, the 
Rev. Alicliael R. Saigeon, was a Canadian and Ijecame a clerg\'man in the 
Alethddist I'rotestant church. He has lieen the shepherd of man\- different 
folds in eastern Alichigan, and has dis])ensed the word with courage and sin- 
cerity at all times. His wife, Hattie Alurphy Saigeon, is a native of Xew 
York state, and has hcen a most useful and efficient helpmeet to her husband 
in his chosen calling. Their labors are attended with deser\'ed success, and 
their life and ser\ices in the Alaster's \ine\'ard l.iid fair to bear the marks of 
di\ine fa\or and the stamp of di\ine approval. Thev are the parents of two 
children — Xina and our subject, lulward Al. 

l*ldwar(l remained under the paternal roof until about nineteen }ears of 
age, and was impressed in his growing years with the necessity of a righteous 
\-iewpoint as regartls the duties and responsibilities of life. Realizing the 
wisdom and the need of becoming skilled in some occupation he took- u]) aud 
learned the house painter's trade, which occupation he followed for abciut 
four -^-ears. He then began to realize that he had talent for a broader fiekl. 
and conse(|ueutb- turned his attention to veterinary surgery. He appreciated 
the value of a thorough jireparation for his work, and was desirous of mak- 



GF.XESEE CorXTN'. M HH [( i.W. 185 

in.!;- liinisflf well ;ic(|uaintcil with all the mmleni and up-tn-date kiinwlt'di^c of 
his work, in ])ursuancc nl" this view. ihcTefurc. lie entered the Ontario Vet- 
erinary C'(illei;e at Tiinintn. I Jere lie dex'ntcd himself \ iii'iirnnsK- tn his duties 
and left im stune niilunied in his elturts for a tlmrnugii e(|ni|)iiient for his 
pmfessii m. lie i;radnatcd frnm the institntinn in iS()(), and heyan actix'e 
practice at W illianislMn. Alichit^an. ci intinuini;- there fur the term of three 
_\'ears. ()])piirtnnity then upened n]) for a w idei' experience, and he accepted 
the position as \'cterinary to the i|uartermaster"s department stationeil in tlie 
riiilippines. Here he fonnd an c\er interesting- and helpful liehl of activity. 
He carried out his work with pronounced success. ikwolinL;' himself strictlv 
to his duties, and at the same time g'athered U]) a wide fund of information 
on themes ol i.;cneral interest to the citizenshij) of onr repuhlic. Thus, not 
only as a practitionei-, hut also as a citi/en and ])atriot, he has hecoine a much 
more valucil and useful niemher of the commnnitw lie lakes a hroad and 
aih'anced \ iew on all the (piestions of the day and has lirni convictions on 
the problems that arc confi'ontint;" the national ,q"o\-ernment at the jiresent 
time. As a \'eterinar\- he spent two \ears and funr months in the rhili|)pine 
service, and at the c\]iiration of that time he returned ;uid hes^an jiracticc at 
I'laintield. Miclii,i;an. lie remained in this \icinity for ahont one \-ear, and. 
althouyli ])ossessin,L;" a L^row iiii^' ]>ali'onaj4e. he remo\ed to l''lint iri i()C)5. and 
lias since that lime dexnted himself in the prosecution of his profession. 

Tie was mai'ried in I'laintield. Michit^an, .\'o\einher 2. KJ04. to Miss 
h'lora K. .Smith, a nati\e of ! .i\in!.;slon county. .She is the dauo-jiter of \\ il- 
liani Ah and Sarah ( llarher) .Smith, of that cmintN-. Mr. .Smith is a successful 
and elhcient farmer in his coiiimnnit\'. 

Dr. and .Mrs. .Sai,<;eon are the ])arents or one child. Hazel. Their home 
is characterized h\' a i^enerous hospitalitv and forms one of the hriiiht centers 
in their (|uarter of the city's domain. 




.MK. AXI) AIRS. [AMES P. FRAWEEV. 



Among the enterprising l;)usiness men nf I'lnshing is to be found Mr. 
Jame.s P. Frawiey. dealer in coal. hay. straw and fertilizers. He was b(?rn in 
Flushing township Februar)- 20. 1872. His parents were among the early 
settlers of Flushing township. PI is father was F'atrick F'rawley and his 
ninther's maiden name was -Margaret McMahan. rhe\' were acti\'e and 
energetic people, and were engaged princii)ally in farming. Industry and 
thrift characterized their efforts and they tibtained a high standing in their 
community as people of upright methods and as genial, accommc/idating neigh- 
l)ors. Their eldest son was trained in that degree of application and endurance 
which has Ijeen such a boon to so many .Vmerican 1)iiys in the furmatixe [leriod 
I if their lives. .-Vs a boy he was indu.strious and fully ali\e U> the oppcirtunities 
that oft'ered themsel\-es in laying the foundation fur the structure of life. He 
remained on the farm, assuming the important resp msibilities of its manage- 
ment until his marriage on Octoljer 30. 1895. to Miss Xora b^urcell, a resident 
of Toledo. Ohio. 

After his marriage he settled upon his own farm in Flushing township. 
ha\ing obtained the same from his father. Here he continuetl to practice the 
methods learned in earh' life and ac(|uired b}' diligent and conscientious efforts. 
Success crowned his efforts and under his direction and super\ision he brought 
the farm up to a high degree of excellency. Plis wife is a native of Ireland 
and knew just hi)W to mingle judicious economy with eft'ective work. 

After twii vears on this farm Air. I'^-awle}' decided to exchange life upon 
the farm for contract and partici])atii in in life in the town, and as a result we 
hnd him coming to Fdushing and going into the employ of H. AI. .\insworth. 
in which he remained for ab()Ut one vear. 



GEXESEE COUX'I"^'. .MK IIK.AX. 187 

Succeeding in this he liecaine engaged in the service i.>t J. E. Ottaway & 
Company. He remained in the latter's em])li)y for al»ut five years, which 
were years of close and intelligent application to bnsiness. At the close of 
this period he embraced the (i])portunit\' of going into business for himself, 
and soon became the proprietor of bis present bnsiness. 

]\Ir. and Mrs. b'niwley are the ])arents of li\e children, as follows: Fat- 
rick, Leo. Donald, Kathleen and Alargaret, who go to make up one of the 
attractive and wide-awake families of the town of Flushing. 

The parents are adherents to the Catholic church, and br)th do as much as 
lies within their power to maintain a high standard of righteous living. 




al'(;l"stl's k. kexdrick. 



Prdiniiient among' the ]ir(icluce shippers of FHnt is ]\Ir. Kendrick, 
wlio was horn in Dryden, Lajieer conntv. Michig-an, Juh- ii, 1842. His 
father, the Hon. Lucius Kench'ick. was an al)lc man and one who rendered 
consideraljle puljHc ser\ice in liis chi}-. He was Ijorn at Dorien, Xew York, 
and was married to Ehza Look, also a native of Xew York. lia\'ing' l)een 
horn at Ellery, in Chautau(|ua count}'. After coming to Lapeer county in 
183O Mr. Kench'ick taught school in the county for fourteen years, and was 
the teacher of tlie first sclioo! taught in .\lmont, tlien known as Bristol. After 
this perioil nf serx'ice as teacher he engaged in farming and prosecuted this 
occupation with \igor and success. In the meantime he had aciinired quite 
a wide ac(|uaintance in the county and was closely identified with tlie political 
life of the peo]ile. casting his influence with tlie Republican party. He was 
soon elected to the Michigan legislature from the first district, and seiwed 
during the term of iSfxhiSjo. Yet his activities were not confined to the 
political field alone, hut he was also of a literary turn of mind. He had a 
knack for gathering tip news and getting it up into good readable shape for the 
press. For a numlier iif \-ears he was a valued correspondent for the New 
York "Tribune." and later also for the Detroit "Tribune." He also became 
associated in the same capacity with the Lapeer "Clarion." retaining his con- 



C.l'.XKSEE COIX'IN', .\l l( 1 1 K ,.\.\. iS,j 

nectioii f(ir several years. l'"urthernii)re. liis genuine integrity and indiscrimi- 
nate lii\c fm- jnsticc and fair play led to his selection as justice of the peace, 
which place he filled with eminent success and satisfaction to the oeople. 

As a mi'ml)er of the school hoard he contrihuted ahundant and excellent 
service, lie died at I'ryden, in l,ai)eer count\. ]ia\ ing reached the age of 
sixty-five }'ears. His wife ended her days at l)r\(len also, h.aving acquired 
the age of fifty-eight years. 

Six children were horn to this union, of which our suhject was the 
eldest, lie was reared ;it the place of his hirth, and showed a good, teach.ahle 
spirit wlien still a child, and extended his school career into tlie Lajjcer high 
school. 

Alter deciding to start out in life for himself he became engaged in the 
nm-ser\- stock husiness, and found it a delightful as well as a remunerati\e 
line. lie followed this occupation for ahout tw entv-three \'ears. In 1X76 
he remo\ed from La])eer county and came to Flint, where he has since resided. 
In 1890 he took up with the produce husiness and has hought and shijiped 
goods extensivelv for some time. 

He was married in Lapeer county, .Michigan, to .Miss Ada Coidev, who 
died later in .Xew ^'ork state. I'ollowing this he was joined in wedlock to 
Aliss Cornelia Hill and three children hlessed this union, two of whoni sm"- 
vive. They are Carl .\. and Lillian Ci. In i(S(jO Mrs. Cornelia Hill was taken 
to rest, leaving a host of friends to mourn her departure. 

Mr. Kendrick was ag.ain married and chose for his compani(jn ]\[iss L.ffie 
( lor\es, who w;is horn in ( )akland county, Alichigan. Mr. Kendrick, like his 
paternal ancestor, is wide-awake in the political affairs of the count}- and state. 
He commands the respect and interest of his colleagues in jiolitics and in busi- 
ness as well. In fact he takes a great interest in all j^iubhc affairs. He has 
been closely identified for _\-ears with the Ahisonic fratei-nity and has been a 
loyal ex])onent of the principles of the organization to which he gives so mttcli 
of his interest. He is a regular attendant r.f the Court street Alethodist 
]'4iisco])al cluu-ch. and in this and in all other wa_\ s seeks to make himself uscfitl 
to all with whom he ma\' come in contact. 




GEORGE F. BROW'X. 

"Xot he who Ijoasts of liis coiiiiti-y, I)ut he who does something- to make 
his country better, is the real patriot." 



It has been said that when circumstances demand the man uf a certain 
stamp and equipment, there will always be found some one who will rise to 
the occasion. This seems to have been the case in the experience of the sub- 
ject of our biography, l\Ir. George F. Brown, attorne}- and at one time 
county prosecutcir. He was born at Lyon, Oakland countw ^Michigan, Octo- 
ber 4. 1855, and came to Gaines township in 1865. His parents were emi- 
grants from the "Empire state," coming to Michigan in 1839. His father, 
Hiram Brown, was of Scotch ancestry and had his home in Ontario countv, 
Xew ^ ork. while his mother, Mary E. Plowman, was a native of Orange 
ciiunt}-. She departed this life eight years ago. Imt Mr. Brown still occupies 
the old homestead at the advanced age of eightv-seven ^-ears. 

.\t the age of twenty-three George left the farm and engaged in teaching, 
liaxing made a liroad preparation for his work. He filled the duties of the 
])r(ifessi(in with commendable skill, and later was made a member of the 
county .school board, which consisted of three persons. One of his associates 
on this board was E. D. Black, a classmate of his at Ann Arbor. At the 



(il'lXI'.SI-.R COLXTN', Mil I IK, AX. 191 

latter institution ]\lr. I'.rnwn wns a student in tlic law (le]jartnient. being a 
member n\ tlic class ^>i 1887. Since tbat time lie lias ])racticeil law in the 
county, ami has been singularly successful in his clmscii pn ifessii in. Me is 
a born lighter and puts int<i his work imi (,nly legal skill and general knowl- 
edge, but al^M an nnu'^ual (|uantit_\' of energ}' and aggressiveness. 

lie served the ciiuiU\- fur fi;ur years as ])ro.secuting- attorney, and it was 
(luring this ])erio(l that he mse tn the demands of the times. It seemed to be 
a time when the tide i>f law-breaking and criminality was mi the increase. 
This called fi>r \'igiir(ius and fearless acti\it\' on the part i>\ the autlKirities, 
and, Mr. lirnwn had at (nie time tn deal with nineteen inmates of the countx' 
jail, all charged with felnuie^. and all of them were coin-icted. This won fur 
bim the unstinted ])raise from the better element of the conimunit\', while 
the law breakers began to deliberate on the best methods of "taking to the 
woods." ,\fter a i)eriod of untiring activit\' and fearless investigation on 
the part of the authorities the famous "robber's rocjst gang," s:i long the 
terror of the commnnit}'. was broken and totally annihilated. During this 
term, also, three murder cases were on the docket. ]n one of these conviction 
was brought aliont. 

'S\v. Tb-own has been associated for six ^•ears with ~S\y. |oliii TI. barkw 
under the name of r>rown & Farle\-, and during this time they ha\e had a 
large and lucratixe business. Mr. Brown has been an acti\e politician, taking 
a firm and \igorous stand in matters ])olitical. as much so as in matters legal. 
He has lieeii asked time and again to go on dnl\- to the state con\'entions and 
has entered heart and soul into the activities of these organizations. 

He has taken part also in a number of suits at law that ha\-e lieen of 
more than usual interest, notably one damage suit of ,^6.500 ag.aiiisi ihe cit_\-. 
another railroad case of $6,600 and another instance in which a judgment for 
damages was allowed, inxdlving the amount of 81,16^:, the highest award of 
that character e\'cr allowed in the countw '["his was against the drand Trunk 
Railway, .\nothcr notable case in which Mr. Brown has figured (|uite promi- 
nently was that of the .Stockdale will case, involving an estate of $^^20,000. 
He a])peared in the case for the heirs. It has been fought in all the local 
courts and is now before the sujireme tribunal of the slate. He stands high 
among the memliers of the bar and commands the utmost regard from the 
l)eucli. He has extensive farming interests and takes great pride in well 
impnned land. 



192 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

His wife. Etta E. AVood. at one time a teacher in Flint, departed this 
life in Mav. i<j02, leaving one daughter, Etta E. Air. Brown takes quite an 
interest as a pastime in fishing, and always carries with him a warm social 
atmosphere. 



fiF.XESEE (Tn■^"^^■, Mil iiK.A.x. 193 

GEOl-JllE W. COOK. 

As a ci iniiininiu i;vii\\s and muniripal and vw'k prdhlenis 1)L'c<inK' niMre 
and nil ire ci implex nee<l is felt fur guidini;' hands and energetic organizers. 
( )ne <if these citizens of Mint that has fille.l the needs as felt by his fellow 
townsmen is Mr. (leorge \\ . Cook, att :rne\- at law. .Mr. Cook's ancestry 
^races back to the "banpire state." from which so man\- of (ienesee county's 
pioneer settlers bailed. Mis father. Joseph 1'.. and his mother, whose maiden 
name was Tuba II. Slaglit. came to Craiul lUanc as earl\- as iS,V. biter tak- 
ing u]) their abode on the farm wbich is still considered the familv home- 
stead. Mr. Josejih Cook was a moving sjjirit in the growth of ( irand Ijlanc, 
operating a limn' null for man\- \ears, and serxing also for some time as 
postmaster. The parental hearth was ble-sed with four children. One of 
these. John (i.. occujiies a farm near Crand lilanc : another. lulwin II.. is a 
skilled mechanic. ha\-ing bis home in bdint : the third son is (ieorge \\ .. the 
subject of our sketch: while the fourth is Willis ('•., a graduate of the State 
L'ni\-ersitv. formerh- a high school teacher of bdint. and who is now a prac- 
titioner and medical professor of Ft. Worth. Te.xas. 

(ieorge W . was born in Grand Blanc ( )ctober 24, t8C)2. lie was educated 
in the schools of I'lint and taught for eight )ears in the Michigan school 
for the deaf. Reing interested, bowexer, in public affairs, he soon found 
himself in close touch with the general actixities of the coimty, and as a result 
was made county clerk in 1893. \\ bile serving in this capacity he not only 
felt the need of a thorough knowledge of law, but he took advantage of the 
opportunity to gratify bis desire for a thorough studx- of the subject, baxdng" 
abundant opjjortiniilx' for first-hand obser\ation in this connection. We are 
not surprised, conse(|uently, to find him reading law diligently at this time, 
and his being admitted to the liar in June. 1^97. .\fter bis admission to 
the bar he be.gan to ])ractice law and associated himself with Mr. I*"recl \V. 
bJrennan under the title of Brennan & Cook. 

Mr. Cook managed to make himself thoroughl}- familiar with all the 
phases of bis jn-ofession and seryed for four years as assistant ])rosecuting 
attorney. In this capacity he soon demonstrated his able gras]) of the work 
and his keen insight into the problems of jurisprudence and conducting his 
office so effectiyely that he was appointed In the court to complete the unex- 
])ired term of I'roveciUor (ieorge Williams. 
13 



194 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

His general practice Sdim l)ecame (|uite large and he was suon recog- 
nized as one of the community's ablest counsehirs. 

It has been demonstrated time .and again that prnficiencv in anv one 
line dues not necessaril)- prove that one's abilities are narrowed or confined 
to that field of acti\ity. Air. Cook has been an efficient director of the Cnion 
'I rust Bank, and has for eight years proven an interested and progressive 
memljer of the school board. His service has also been of great ^'alne in 
municiijal affairs. Municipal ownership of public utilities is a problem of no 
small import confronting American cities of tO(la\'. W hen the proposition 
that the city of h'lint purchase and operate the water works, a board of arbi- 
tration, to determine its \-alue was i)ro\'ided for, Mr. Cook was counsel fiir 
the city, perfecting these plans, and the ])urchase was made for a considera- 
tion of ,$jhj,3oo. He has since ser\-ed as one of the three members of the 
b(.iard of water commissioners, which has complete control of the water 
system. As is to l)e expected. Mr. Cook has been frec|uently called upon to 
ser\-e <in ])olitical committees and to participate in the party organization, 
notabl}" as a member of the Republican state central committee. 

On August I. ]88S, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Emma 
Zimmerman, a \dung huh- of splendid education and high social standing, 
ha\'ing been a teacher in the local school for the deaf. Three children make 
up his famih'. consisting of Lawrence L., George L., and Wendell J. 

The brief summary thus gi\-en is. of coiu'se, inadequate to do full justice 
to a successful and busv career, but sufficient evidence has already been ad- 
\'ance(l to justifv the verdict that our subject must he a believer in the rule of 
life. So well expressed bv our immortal Lincoln. \iz. : "Let irs ha\e faith that 
right makes might, and in that faith let us dare to do our dnt}' as we un- 
derstand it." 




AIARVMX L. SEELEV, 



j\[r. ^larvin L. Seeley was l»irn in Mint, April 15. 1840. Ele is tlie son of 
Daniel H. and jnlia A. (Taylor) Seeley, who were natives of Connectient. 
After their marriage they came, in 1H36, to i'ontiac, Michigan, and the next 
year to Flint. AMien Man-in was one year old his parents took possession of a 
new farm in ( ienesee townshi]), and here tlie\- lived out their remaining days. 
Mr. Seelev died in 1892. aged eighty-seven, having lived for fifty years upon 
this farm. His widow survived him one and one-half years, having attained 
the age of eighty-four. They were active, energetic people and live church 
workers. ^Ir. Seelev was a pnliiical leader and an expert farmer, having been 
awarded manv premiums hy the Agricultural Society of the cnunty. Six chil- 
dren <if the familv reached maturity, fmir nf wlmni are still surviving, liertlia, 
wife of Alexander R. Tirav. died in middle life, being the uinther of four chil- 
dren. Tjiuis D. died at the age of twenty-nine. !•" ranees M. was married to Ste- 
phen S. Burroughs and lives in the .state nf \\';ishington. The next child in the 
order of birth was our subject, ]\farvin I., i'raiik T. is a practicing physician 



at .\liingo, hiwa, ha\ing ])rac 



ticed a few \ears in (ienesee cnuiitx- before going 



west. Then 111 \'. is a farmer in Tlietfnrd t()wn.-~hip. (ienesee county. 

Marvin read law in the MlVice n\ (."olonel William AT, b'enton and in 
due time was admitted I" the bar. lie then Ic^^k ;i cnrsr in the law depart- 



196 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

nient ut the State L'nixersit}-. and in i^(>j l>ei^'an tn practice in Mint, cnntinning 
this fur ten }eai"s. He was justice of tlie peace f<-)r eight \ears and for four 
years was super\-isor of (ienesee townsiiip. His efforts resuhed in the Iiuild- 
ing of the new town hall in Genesee township, and also in the erection of a 
fine hrick school buiUling. hor a while ?\Ir. Seelev went liack ti > the farm, 
remaining there until his father's death, whereupi m, in ciinipan\- with his 
brother. Frank, he became administrator for the estate. In i<Sq3 he returned 
to Flint and at this time was made chairman of the au.xiliary committee of the 
state board of managers of the world's fair. In iSgi he was elected to the 
state legislature on the Hemocratic ticket. His district included the city of 
Flint and se\'en other townshijjs. making u]) a district that had yielded mjr- 
mall}' a strong Repul)lican maiiirit\-. This incident proclaimed Inudh' the 
merits of the man. In the legislature he devoted his attention largely to 
school matters, lieing made chairman of the cumniittee on education. He 
drew up the l)ill to change the school supervision frum the old secretary sys- 
tem to the ciiunt}- commissioner plan. It prox'ided for a comity school commis- 
sioner, to .give a head to the school system in the counties and to get the 
school matters before the people, and hard work was necessary before the 
measure \vas pil<jted through, heavy opposition arising from the secretaries 
over the state. 

Mr. Seelev is still engaged in general practice of law, ami, in conjunction 
\\itli this, handles considerable real estate. Fie has kept actively in touch 
with tiie political affairs of the community and has been of inestimable service 
to his party. He has often been delegated to local and state conventions, and 
is a hard campaign worker. He is a staunch 'adherent to the Jeffersonian prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party. 

Mr. Seelev was married at the age of thirty-two to ^liss Jean I. Brown. 
daughter of William Brown, of Thetford. She was born in England, lived for 
a time at Niagara, and came to Flint when still a young lady. The family 
consists of three children. Burton E. graduated from the Michigan College 
of Mines at the age of twenty-one. He became a mining engineer for an 
English syndicate operating in ^Mexico, and while .stationed at Zacataces, 
iMe.xico, was seized with pneumonia and died there ait the age of twenty-six. 
Burns L.. another son, is now at Coloradci Springs and is engaged in mer- 
cantile life. Thyra B. remains at home. He is a graduate from the Flint 



GEXESEE C()LX"L"\'. MR 1 1 K ,.\.\. 



19; 



Iiigli sell! ml and is bookkeeper for tlie Diirant Dort Carriage Company. The 
niem1)crs of the family are acti\'e in social, religious and educational affairs. 
They ha\e hosts of friends and are among the most agreeable and affable 
of the city's s])lcndid peojile. 




JAATES K. CORRir.ALL. 

James K. Corrigall was Ixirn of Scotch ancesti"}' in Hastings county, 
Ontario, on iNIarch 25, 1S37. His father came to Canada from Kirkwald, 
Scotlanil, when twenty-fi\e }ears of age, and pre-empted one hundred acres 
of wild, uncultivated land. James remained at home until after twenty-six 
years of age, and came over to eastern JNTichigan in the spring of 1865. 

Here he took up work in a saw mill, hut soon came on to Bay City. While 
working in a lumber mill here, he, in an unguarded moment, sustained the 
loss of two fingers of his right hand. .Vfter making a return visit to Ontario 
he came back to Michigan, taking up his quarters this time in Genesee 
county. He bought a forty-acre tract, one and one-half miles north of 
Gaines, for $550. He began clearing this, and b\' selling four-foot wood and 
sta\-es, lie succeeded in making the land ])a}- for itself. His hard industry 
enabled him to convert uncleared and stump lands into good farm land. He 
thus not on]}- accjuired more acreage, Ijut made improvements as he went 
along, building barns and remodeling the old buildings. Having bought 
a residence in Mint he removed thither about i8go. but in 1895 came to 
Gaines, making his home in one of the best houses in the town. 

Mr. Corrigall was interested, however, in more things than one, and de- 
voted some attention to the breeding of good general purpose horses, generally 



(;r':.\i':si-:i': a:)L■^••|■^■. mkiiicax. k^.j 

keejiins' on haiul leii in fil'tccii head, lie succeeded also in producing" some 
g'ood roadsters. Sdine nt wliicli ii<it iniK made good speed, 1)ut good mone\' 
as well. 

Although he lias ne\er sduglit ntiice Mr. duTigall has ser\ed as land and 
drainage commissioner and has also heen connected with the school hoard. 
He has al\va_\"s affiliatetl with the Repnhlican ]iarty. hut stands tirst of all t(M- 
sf|uare and honest service. 

llis son, Jiihii \\ ., u<y SI line lime t'lillnwed the teaching ])r(ifessi(in in 
(icnesee count}'. He recei\ed an injurx- in a frdl from a Ijarn frame, which, 
although not fatal at the time, resulted ultimately in his death at tlie age of 
fort}'-two at l'lacer\ille. California, whither he had remo\-ed. After reaching 
California, he continued to work as a teacher. Iiaxing dijne similar work in 
Genesee count\'. At the lime of his deatli he held the office of deput\' sheritf. 
lie was noted as a ]in1i]K' spea]<er and was (|nite m demand for his I'omah of 
jul\- addresses. 

Airs. Corrigall. formei-l\- llertha Smith, comes from \\'\andoite. \\'a\ne 
connt\'. Michigan. .\ son. l)orn Decemher 13, H)04. was named lames \\ il- 
lard (/orrigall, thus gi\ing fair prospects that the famil\- tree will he kept 
cri iwint;'. 




MELVIX C. BOWMAN. 



Air. Mel\ in C Rii\Miian, ])resent city treasurer (if Mint, was Ijnrn at W'ar- 
saw. Wxiiniinq- cnunt)'. Xew York. I)eceml)er 28, 1846. He came to Michi- 
gan with his parents in 1853. 'rhe\- settled on a farm in Oakland C(_iunt\' 
on the mad running from h^int to I'ontiac. which was then a stage line. He 
was ])ronght up on the farm and recei\'ed such education as the communit\- 
afforded, and later atten<led the hentoii high school. When die Ci\-il war 
had heen in progress for some time, \-oung Mehin could not su])i>r'ess the 
patriotic tires hurning witliin his breast, and he ran awa\- from home in order 
to enlist in the ser\ice. He joined Company C of the Eighth Alichigan 
Ca\-alry in 1864, and was engaged in the struggle in Tennessee and Alabama. 
After tlie close of the war he returned to the farm, which was later scdd. 
After living in Holly till 1870, lie removed t(_) tlie cit)- of Flint. 

Air. Plowman's musical abilities were now given active pla\', and his 
al)ilit\- as a baritone soloist attracted the attention of Mr. dardner, organizer 
and director of the famous (lardner's liand of Flint. Air. liowman continued 
to be identified with this band f ( ir many years, and made trips with his com- 
rades to riiiladelphia, Chicago, St. Fouis, Cle\-elaiid and many other points. 
At all of these places the band won hearty commendation and was recognized 
as one of the ablest and most deser\ing organizations of its kind in the 



(ii-:x!-.si-.i-: (■()ix-|-\-, .MiciiicAX. 



>oi 



n)iintr_\'. Mr. l!(i\\inan ci nitinuecl with tliu hand iiiilil Mr. ( ianhicr left hlint. 
thus seven'n.t;- his Cdiincction witli llie ciini])any that he had so al)lv helped U> 
make I'aiiunis. 

Mr. r.nwinaii was engaged for some time in the insurance business and 
carried i|uite a large i)atr<)nage. l'"ollo\\ing this he became associated with 
1). S. !'"o.\ in the cigar mamifactm-ing business, achie\ing success in this field 
also. I'or one year he was transferred to I'ort Ilnron. and was jjlaced in 
charge ol the lirm's interests at that ]>lace. Then for ti\-e rears he was asso- 
ciated with the Clasen & Streat Company as a partner in the cigar manufactorv. 
He then engaged in the same business for himself, and jnished his trade with 
considerable energy and \'igor for six' rears. He then became emplored with 
W. C. \\ ells of the lro<|nois I'igar (Umpanv of h'lint. 

In i(jo6 he was singled out as a ca])able and popular candidate to ])lace 
before the people in the race for the treasurership of the county, and the re- 
sults justifiei! the choice. He was elected )j_\' the largest majoritv of an\' can- 
didate on the ticket, and at the close of the first term was re-elected without 
any opitosition. This furnishes conxincing e\idence as to his etticienc\' and 
])opu]arit\. which are owing largeh' to the fact that he has gi\'en the office 
work his personal attention and has spared no time or work in giving the 
people honest and eftectixe ser\ice. He has made the duties of tlie office his 
first concern, and all ha\'e learned to recognize his merit and integrity. Were 
it not for the fact that the city charter limits the time of ser\'ice to two terms, 
tliere is no doubt as to what the verdict of the people would be regarding" his 
future ser\ice in his present capacity. Under the circumstances his heav\- 
l)ond. which totalizes about $300,000. is an indication of the responsibility that 
is resting u])on him. His record has borne the close inspection of investiga- 
tors and not a single item has been f(]und misplaced. He was married in 
Flint twentr-si.x rears ago to Miss Mary Parsall. Their family consists of 
Ernest D.. a high school graduate, now of Houston. Texas: Jennie, also a 
high school graduate, and at present a stenogra])her : the third child is a 
daughter. F.lsa. 

Mr. Kownian is a member of the drand Arm\ of the Republic. His resi- 
dence is a pleasant location at 317 \\'est b'irst street. 



202 BIOGRAl'HICAL HISTORY 

ERASTUS DF.RWIX GILBERT. 

Erastus Derwiii ("lilhert, mie of the prosperous and successful farmers of 
Flint township, was horn in the house in which lie still resides, October 6, 
1842. He was the son of Ans(.)n and Judith Ann ( Garland) Gilbert, the former 
of Saratoga county, Xew York, and the latter a nati\-e of Xew Hampshire. 
They came to Alichigan in 1833, coming to Flint township in 1S38, where 
he purchase<l a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and by diligence and 
superior management succeeded in bringing one hundred acres up to a high 
state of cultivatii.m. The house which he and bis wife occupied at that time 
still stantls, and is occupied by his son, it ba\'ing been improved and added to 
from time to time. Mr. Gilbert was a staunch Republican and showed his 
loyalt}- to his party by taking an actix'e interest in all the affairs of the 
coiumunitv. 

Mrs. Gill)ert survi\-ed her husband twelve years, dying in 1888, at the 
age of ninetv-two }-ears. She was the mother of three children — (ieorge H., 
Ellen J., and Erastus D. George H. was a farmer of this townshij) for a 
numljer of vears, but later remoxed to Mint, where he died at the age of 
sixtv-nine. Ellen J. is the wife of William D. Johnstone and lixes on a ])art 
(if the old homestead. 

Erastus Derwin, our suljject, has spent all of his life on the old home- 
stead. b"or awhile he and bis brother worked in partnership on the farm, Init 
at their father's death Erastus purchased the interests of the other heirs and 
n<iw owns one hundred and thirty-eight of the original one hundred and sixty 
purchased by his father. He has made a number of impro\'ements on the old 
farm, and capability and practical methods h;i\-e resulted in marked success. 

Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage in 187S to Charlotte Fbiskins, (jf 
Maple Grove, Saginaw, Michigan, who died in 1895. She left two sons, 
Louis A. and Irving E., win) are l)Oth still at home with their father. 

In 1S98 Mr. Gilbert married Mrs. Alice Smith, widow of Le\'i Smith, 
and the daughter of Elisha and Selina Ilrewer, of Xew York and Connecticut, 
respecti\'elv. The\- came to ^Michigan in i8C)2, settling in I'dint, where Mr. 
Brewer conducted a grocery for some time. They spent the latter }ears of 
their life with their daughter. ]\Irs. Gilbert. 

Mrs. Gilbert Ijefore her marriage was a teacher in Genesee countv for 
five vears. and also acteil in the capacity of a nurse for some time. She was 



(il^^■ESF.I•: COUXTV, .MICIIKiAX. 203 

first married to Levi Smith, a carpenter and painter, wlio lust his hfe in 
Long' Lake. Besides liis wife Mr. Smitli was survi\ed h\- two children, Charles 
E. Smith, now of Detroit, and licssie. tlie wife of i\o\- D. Brotherton, residents 
of Xew' Liskeard. ( )ntario. 

Besides his two children, Mr. (iilherl reared a young ,girl, (jrace lozier, 
from the tender age of eighteen months until the time of her marriage to 
Fayette Davis, at the age of nineteen years. 

Mr. ( iillicrt. like his father, adheres to the Repulilican party, Init has never 
aspired to a political career. 




FRAXK J. RUTHERFORD. 

'Sir. Frank J. Rutherford, real estate l:)roker and general business man 
of Flint, has his home at 619 Clifford street. He was horn in Flint, February 
2j. 1862. His parents, Jnhn J. and Sarah L. (Miller) Rutherford, were 
aniimq- the early settlers uf (ienesee cmintv, Michigan, lia\"ing' emigrated hither 
from Xew 'S ork state. His father was an accountant hx ])rofession and was 
bookkeeper for the Genesee Iron Works. He was a man of action and one 
who did not hesitate when dut\- seemed to call. This trait, which so strong'ly 
characterized his life, jiroved also to lie fatal to his welfare. In an effort to 
sto]) a runawa}' team he recei\-ed severe injuries, and as a result he became an 
in\-alid for the last few years of his life. He died in Mint at the age of fifty 
Aears. 

There were tw(j children in the famih', one of whom died in infancy, 
leaxing" Frank as the only sur\'ivor of the famih-. He was rearetl in the 
town of his birth, and has resided here all his life, with the exception of one 
and one-half }-ears that were spent in California. He was educated in the 
Flint schools and applied himself diligently to his studies. He was well liked 
Iiy his companions and teachers, but there was nothing unusual in his boy- 
hood experience. 

.\fter reaching maturitA- he engaged in the grocery Imsiness, and for 



ci-'.xi-.skl: col .\•'|■^■, .\iic mk.ax. 205 

so\en years appliLNl hiinsclt U< this woi-k. 'Mien fur eigin \eai-s he was witli 
the Smith I'.ridgman Cniiipau}-. Mis liiisiiiess experience has been varied 
and extensive, inasmuch as lie was cnnstantly on tlie alert for opportunities 
to 1)U\' or disi)osc of interests according to prospects of favorable transactions, 
lie has handled furniture on an extensive scale and has also conducted liusi- 
ness as dealer in seci nnl-hand articles. 

In recent years he has given considerable attention ti> real estate, and is 
one of tlie niemhei-s ol the Riverside Land (\)m])an\'. which has taken such an 
active p:iri ni [)romoting the growth and extension of the city's desirable 
residence areas. 

This companv has |)lattcd "l-'airvievv." a tract of two hnndrcd and thirtv 
lots, consisting of al)out fortv acres, and is a new addition directh' north of 
the Flint Wheel Works. 

.All". Rutherford was married l)cceiiilier 31. i8()0. to Miss Alar\- Cole, 
a iiati\e of McComh conntv. .Michigan, rnul a most estimable and helpful com- 
panion. She liecame the mother of three children — John W.. Hessie .M.. and 
I'rank C 

Mr. Rutherford is a man that takes an active part and interest in public 
aftairs. and is a thorough champion ot all measures that ha\e for their pur- 
pose the promiition of the ])nblic welfare. His gond judgment and business 
abilit)- have resulted in the accumulation of considerable property, including 
also farming interests. He is a member of the Order of Foresters. Odd Fel- 
lows and the Royal Cuard. He and bis wife are active and loyal workers in 
the Court street Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Rutherford having for 
vears lieen a \aluable counselor on the board of trustees. 



2o6 bio(;raphical history 

EDWJX J. CL'RTS. 

Mr. Edwin J. Curts, the subject of this biography, is a member of the 
firm ijf Curts & Page, dealers in clotliing and men's furnishings, the organi- 
zation of wiiich firm tcmk place in ifjod. 

Mr. Curts was Ijnrn in East Saginaw, Michigan, October 23, 1870. His 
parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Bell) Curts, were both emigrants to ^licliigan 
from Ontario. Jacob Curts was a cooper by trade and operated a shop in 
Saginaw, and also one in Fluslfing, fienesee cnunty, continuing at this until 
alxiut ten \'ears ago, at which time he remmed t(.) ^^lanistee. and is li\ing in re- 
tirement there at tlie jjresent time. 

Edwin 1. has been li\ing in Genesee county, therefore, since he was 
three \'ears (ilil. He received the regular common school education, after 
which he comiileted the high school course in h^lushing. At the age of seven- 
teen he began acti\-e work b}- engaging as clerk, and was with the Brannan 
Brothers for four years. He then came to Mint in 1892, and for the next 
eight vears was with \\". C. Lewis & Company in business, and proved to be 
a success at his work. Later he became connected with A. M. Davison, dealer 
in cli>thing, and here he acquired a thorough insight into the intricacies of 
the clothing l:)usiness. 

Mr. Curts takes an actixe interest in political aft'airs, and his counsel 
and judgment have been of in\-alual)le service to his party. Li 1902 he was 
elected county treasurer and was re-elected to the same office in 1904, serving 
the ])ei)]ile with great efficienc\' and integrity. He ga\-e the office his personal 
attention and succeeded in discharging his duties in such a way as to win the 
confidence of exerybody. 

He started his present business in 1006 in comj^any with his old asso- 
ciate, Mr. I'age. Idie business has grown to a remarkable degree, and they 
now iiccup}- a building thirty-three l)y seventy feet, having a tailoring depart- 
ment on the second floor. Thex' now emplo\' four assistants and their liusiness 
is surpassing their most sanguine expectations. 

yir. Curts was j.oined in matrimony on ]Mav f\ 1896, to Miss Minnie E. 
Quirk, of Flint, daughter of Maurice Quirk, now deceased. Minnie was born 
at Chatham, ( )ntario, and Ijefore her marriage was em])lo}ed b_\' Honier A. 
Hav iSt Com])an\-, luakers of abstract books for ( ienesee count}-. She had 



(;i':.\i-:siiE aJL'.\•|■^'. ami iik.ax. 



207 



hcciiUK' (|uite an cxpcricnccil hi n ikkeepcr, and was nf ,i;rcal \-aluc in the \\<>vk 
in wliich she was then eiijiatjccl. 

I he taniily life lias licen Imth cunycnial and liappv. and has been brig'lit- 
ened liy the adxent nf twn chilih'en. Maurice !■". and l_)nr()th\' E. Socially 
the family has alsn lieen an estimable addition td the e<imnuinit\", and their 
circle nt" I'riends is ci nistruuK' widenin"'. 




FRANK T. HALL. 



Anntlier of Flint's most active lausiness men is [Mr. Frank T. Hall, tlealer 
in agricultural imi)lenients. His place of liusiness is located on the corner nf 
Fifth a\-enue and Oak street. His father. Humer L. Hall, was a natixe nf 
Genesee county, Xew ^'nrk. and his ninther, Henrietta ( Cooley ) Hall, was 
burn in Penns}lvania. The}' were married in ( lenesee cnunty, Michigan, antl 
began their matrimonial career on a farm in bdint township. They lived at 
this location for a time and then removed to Louisa county, Iowa, settling" on 
a farm. Mr. Hall cast about in various parts of Iowa and ^Missouri, engaging 
in such occupatii^ns as opened u]) for him. Vnv a time he was engaged in the 
hotel business, and then also took up the work of printing'. He returned to 
Genesee countv. Michigan, about 1876, and has since resided here, with the 
exception of a few years when he lived in Petoskey and in Emmett county. 
Michigan. The family consisted of seven children, four sons and three 
daughters, Frank being the eldest child. 

Frank was born in Louisa county, Iowa, August 22. 1859. He spent the 
greater part of his life up to the age of sixteen in Iowa, and then came to 
Flint, where he has since resided. He engaged in farming in Clayton town- 
ship, and for two and one-half years was busy at this occupation. He then 
disposed of this farm and bought another one in Mundy township, where he 



< .I'.XI'SI-:!-, (■( )l \TN'. MM I III , AX, 209 

ci iiitiniK'il tn Ii\c U]) In the titiK- he renioveil tn hhiit, this bein^' in the tall 
lit I (JO I. He has heen an inilustrinus ami ecnnnniie niana.s^er. and now owns 
one Ininclred and fifteen acres of excellent and well improved farm land in 
Mnnd\' and Mint tnwnships. 

( )n coniin;;' tn 1*1 inl he liecame enna,<;'ed in the sale nf a.^ricnhural ini])le- 
ments and has tlnis continned since, lie lias made a ,t;oii<l recnrd as a dealer, 
haxiiii;' the fnll cnnlidence nf a large nnmher nf patnms. lie handles an ex- 
tensive line nf ^tnck and dc\otes himself closeh' tn Inisiness. He keeps well 
infnrnied and np-tn-date in his held, and cannnt nnly tell his customers what 
is the best and must ccnnnniical nf the tools in the market, hut wastes nn time in 
fnrnishiiiL;' the things wanted. 

1 le was married in Idint township nn September 29. 1878. tn Miss .\dora 
1.. rnrre\'. w Im was burn in hlinl tnwiiship and is the dau.gbter of Jesse and 
.^le]i-^a Tnrrey, these being; pioneer settlers in the community. They occupietl 
the lirst farm njierated in the cnunty, this being in bdint tnwnship. and here 
they ended their da\s. 

.Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been the parents of three sons. Fenton A. is 
a farmer in .Mnndv tnwnsbi]), as is also the next son, Anson T*". The other 
son, l-"i-ancis. is njierating a farm in liurtim tnwnsbi)). 

Mr. Ilall held the office of justice of the peace in Mundy townshi]) for 
man\- \-ears. and his decisinns nn the matters bmnght Ijefnre him were always 
based on fairness and eqnit)-. He was elected alderman in Tlint in 1907. He 
is a distinguished wnrker in the lodge nf Odd I'ellnws and is alsn a member ot 
the Knights nf the Maccabees and the K^-'tl .Men. 



14 




].\y ADAMS. 



.Mr. J;iy .Vdanis, nf 30J West Third ;i\emie, [•dint, was Ixirn in I'enner, 
Madison cnunty, Xew X'urk. ,\ni^iist 2j. 1S23. His parents were Cnlmiel 
James Adams, cf Jelfersdn ci.unt\-. Xew Ndrk, and Sarah (Parks) Adams, 
of the ^[oha\\k river district. James A(hims was a colonel in the Xew York 
Cavalr\- anil at the close of the war of 1812 was in the service at Sacket's 
Harhor. In 1 Sj; 1 the faniilv removed to Idvingston conntw Xew ^ ork-. hnt 
in 1836 came on to Michigan, taking u\> their cinarters in drand lUanc town- 
shi]). Cienesee county. It was thonght at that time the village of (Irand 
Blanc would hecoine the conntv seat, and Mr. Adams ])rocured land within 
two miles of the town. He cleared up (piite a large farm and there he passed 
the remainder id' his da_\s, dying at the age of seventy-four vears. ?le was a 
Democrat aiid an active worker, hut did not aspire to puhlic office. In 1837 
he hrovight to the hdint mills the first grist raised west of (irand lilanc, as his 
was one of the first farms in that section to he improved. There was no settle- 
ment in the vicinit\" at that time, hnt one and one-half miles north of (irand 
Blanc stood a large building, huilt in 1S3J, called \\ higville. it being ex- 
pected to become the connt\- seat, hdint at that time was only an Indian 
trading ])ost. 

d"eu children were Ixirn to these jjarents. all Init one of whom reached 



(iF.XF.SKK rOL'XTN'. .\l l( 1 1 K iAX. 211 

nialurily. Tbree "i tlicse were still living in \<)Cij. These are lav, diir sulj- 
ject : I'liarles. nf ( iiauil lUaiie. and Laura, wife i<\ Sniiili 1 lardx-, now lixinj;' in 
Oliin. Others ol' the children were jnhn, who was a farmer, living;- on the 
old homestead: he died in the winter of Kjob. aj^'cd sixt\- years. Dorr died 
in 1H57 when still a yonnt;- man. .\delia was married to Ad.son Beach. After 
Mr. lieach's death she went to ("alifornia. was married there and later i)assed 
to rest in that locality, ('harlotie married Uew ( )rrin Whitniore. a Methodist 
minister, and died in ( irand lilanc. .Melissa was married to .Mhert Torrev, 
of tlie 'I'orrcv settlement in I'dint townshi]). She died near Flint, also. 

ja_\- remained at home 011 the farm, assuming- charg'e of the place until 
his father's death. ha\ in^' in the meantime Imilt n]>on it a new home. In the 
division of the farm he received two hundred and forty acres, including' the 
old homestead, lie remained on the farm until ahoui iS-j. at which time he 
remo\-ed to ilolh and engaged in the handling of stock. In 1S81 he removed 
to I'lint. continuing in the stock l)nsiness. and for three years conducted a 
meat market. 

On Xovemher 12. 1 S50, he was united in tnarriag'e to JNFiss Laui"a Ann 
Hard}-, daughter of I'rancis and Dorcus (Smith) Hardy, of Howell. Xew 
^'ork. She wns horn in Xew ^'ork state and came to Michigan at the age of 
six years. She grew to maturity near Howell. She is a sister of Smith Hardy, 
who hecame the husband of Mr. .\dains' sister. 

Mr. and Mrs. .\dams ha\e hecome the i:)arents of eiglit children, five of 
whom died in childhood, and one, l-'rank IF. was called lience at the age of 
sc\enteen. 

James 1'.. Allen, the third child, lives at home. Sarah 1). is living at 
home also. She has been for twelve years liookkee])er for the Randall Lumber 
(1 >m])an\ . 

!\lr. .\dams is a Democrat, but has never as])ired to i)ublic office. He 
has de\otcd his time largely to the business of handling stuck, and has made 
man\- interesting \-entm-es. During the war time he bought four hundred 
head of horses at one purchase for tlie cax'alry ser\'ice. Tde enjovs fishing 
and endea\ors to throw a ray of sunshine across the pathway of his friends, 
making life all the ha])pier for those whose fortune it is to know him. 



212 BIOnRAPHICAL HISTORY 

LA FORI-:ST LiL'RXHA.M. 

Mr. La Forest Bunihani, like many anotlier of our worthy citizens, is 
descended from hardy Xew Ln.yland stuck. lie is a nati\e iif Xew Hamp- 
shire, tiie "Granite state." and was Imrn at \\ alpole. Cheshire county, on the 
l)anks (if the Ccmnecticut. or the "Long' river." His father. T^coh B.. was a 
physician, and his mother. Betsy Dickey, was the daughter of tlie estimable 
ALatthew Dickey. 

\h-. Burnham came to Saginaw, [Michigan, about the spring of 1868. 
He was familiar with the hardships of the lumber camp life and knew per- 
fectly well \\hat it mean to bra\-e the winter blasts in cutting down the timber, 
and then assuming the responsibility for the still more perilous work of run- 
ning the "log driye" down stream. 

He has had many exciting experiences in preventing log jams, often be- 
ing drenched from head to foot, hopping fi^om log to log hke a sf|uirrel, but 
eventually coming out without mishap. 

His skill in judging good timber and his knowledge of the lumlier busi- 
ness soon put him at the head of a gang of men for getting out scjuare timber 
and ship masts for a ship building firm at Saginaw. \\ hile engaged in this 
line of work he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Viola Crane. ]\Iiss Crane 
was born in Waslitenaw county. Happ}' in their new relationship thev sailed 
smoothl}' on their journev of life, but shoals and rocks are often hidden where 
least expected. The panic of 1873 proved to lie a Waterloo for them, and all 
the savings of years were swept away. Mr. Burnham had deposited his 
accumulations in a Saginaw liank which went under in the crash. X^othing 
daunted, however, and he and his bra\e wife started out anew, renting a 
home and beginning" again practicalh' at the bottom of the hill. Mrs. Burn- 
ham raised poultry and kept cows, so that by dint of hard work, coupled with 
grit, pluck and perseverance, they slowl}- climbed the hill again. 

Later Mr. Burnham decided to go into farming, and hence removed to 
a farm in Genesee countv. Here he spent se\'en years of successful effort, 
having no difificultv in adapting himself to his new occupatirin, taking hold of 
the business like an expert, making things swing as readily as he swung the 
ax when getting out ship timber up among' the pines. He kept his eyes open, 
howe\er. for opi)ortunities for lietternient. and later remo\-ed to a farm in 
Shiawassee count\'. which farm he occupied for several years. 



GENESEE CorXTN'. Ml( IIIC.AX. 213 

lie aflerwartl reninNcd t^ (iaiucs, still keepint^' in tnuch with his farm. 
Ilu hwught a small tract, a pari nf wliich \v>\\- hes witliin the corporation hmits. 
This he takes care of liiiiiself. fur, althout^h he lias practical!)- retired, he can 
not ci intent himself by heconiin.L;' inactive, hut is satisfied only wlien keeping 
;ilert and .seeing tilings accomplished. 

1 ie has taken c|uite an interest in breeding shcirthnni cattle, realizing that 
in this da\- and age S])ecial attention must be gi\en the subject of good stock 
breeding if the results in this line arc to kee]) ])ace with those in other lines. 
He also enjoys good, well-bred Imrses, bntli on the road and on the farm. 

Air. and Mrs. Tjurnham are b(jtli members of the Episcopal church and 
find great eiij(i}nient in this relatinnship. One child graced this union. 
Blanche, who was called by the death angel in her twentieth year, 

iV niece. Ethel Palmer, and Aliss Rose Cod, both have enjii\cd the hos- 
pitality (_)f the Ihirnham home. lia\iiig spent their early years under its care 
and training. 

Air. Burnham is a member of the Alasonic order; in politics, a Democrat, 
btit is, first of all. a loyal, well esteemed and progressive citizen. 




ABRAHAM M. LYONS. 



"Mr. Aliraham ]\I. L_\()n.s is a retired l)usiness man of Flint. He was 
Ijorn in Anti-ini township. Sliiawassee county. Aiichigan. His parents were 
anions; the worthy pioneers of ^Michigan, coniint^' west in an early dav and 
makin.<4' for themselves a home in the primiti\e areas open to settlement. His 
father, (iuy Lyons, was a nati\'e of Li\'ingstun county. Xew York, and his 
mother. Maria (Dunn) Lvons, was horn in (iroveland, Tompkins count^', 
same state. 

On lea\ing' the Lmpire state after their marriage the\- came to Detroit, 
remaining there for a short time. In i!^3''> the\- came on t<T Flint, and remained 
there for aliout one vear. Mr. L\-ons was a farmer h\- occupation ami soon 
cast ahout for a good location. Tit- linall\' decided u])on a tract of g'o\-ernment 
land in .Shiawassee count\-, Antrim township, and this became the family 
homestead. Here the parents li\'ed out their allotted days, working indus- 
triousl}- and ha])pil\- at the duties that came to hand. Mr. Lyons was .gath- 
ered to his fathers when well adxanced in years, and AL's. Lyons attained 
well into the se\-enties. She became the mother of a large family, consisting 
of almost an even division of sons and daughters. 

A1:)rahani was one of the \-oungest of the famil\- and was reared on 
the old homestead, getting his training and exi)erience l)y wrestling with the 



{;i-:xi-:si'".i': coixtn', michicax. 21s 

])rii|ilciiis iiK'ideiU In life i in the lanii. While >lill under the parental rout 
he was married tn Mis^ l'",\a S. llenry. who was Imrn at i'erry. Shiawassee 
C(iiint\. She was a dani^liter ol' William llenry, a pioneer of the 
eoiintw The new couple remained on the old farm for about one \ear 
after their marria,t;e. after which the\' remo\e(l to hdint. Here Mr. I,\'ons 
became eiis^aijed in the music husiness. later cou])ling with this the handling" 
of real estate, lie soon ohiaiued the confidence of friends and husiness asso- 
ciates, and his relations to the cit\'s life and interests became not onl\- proluable 
but ]ileasant as well, lie has been a notarv public lor eight xears. and while 
still living in Shiawassee counl\' he was chosen deputy sheriff, ser\ing as such 
for a term of two \ears. lie is a man who has done his part in the impro\e- 
ment of the city, taking a firm stand at all times for a clean cil\- and a fair 
and U])riglit ])o]ie\- in the ailininistrali( m of the cit\"s affairs. Since I<;n4 he 
has retired t rom .active participation in business life, but his interest in the 
general welfare has not abated. 

llis wife, Mrs. Im a .S., dieii at an earK' age. She was the mother of one 
dau.ghter, Lena I!., who is the wife of E. C. Mathnson, of bdint. The home- 
stead and farm is owned by .\. M. Lyons, our subject, and his brother. 

Man\' more items of interest connected with the life of .Mr. Lx'oiis could 
be gi\en, but the e\'etits here recorded .'ire sufficient to draw before our 
readers a general ])ictiu'e re\e;ding the traits and events pertinent to the pnr- 
i)ose of the tjresent clironide. 



2i6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

-VRCHIBALD Mc(iILLI\'RAY. 

Mr. Archibald jMcfjillix ni}', s^eneral contractcir ui Mint, was Ijinai in 
AldiitiMse tijwnsliip, ( ienesee count}', ^licliignn. -\ugust 9. 1865. His father. 
Ilnncan I\ic(iilh'\ra}". Avas a nati\e of Scotland. His mother. Marion ( Street) 
er) ^Icfiillivra}-, was a descendant of pioneers from Xew York state. Her 
parjnts came to (jenesee county. Michig-an, when the wilderness still reigned. 
There was only one trail into this district, and over this trail trade was carried 
o\'erland to Pontiac and other ])oints. Mint consisted of but a few shanties 
at this time. Mr. Streeter attaineil tlie age of ninety }-ears. ]\Irs. Streeter. 
whose maiden name was Catherine M.arion, was a sister of Francis Marion, 
of re\-olutionary fame. Mr. Duncan McCullivra}- became a lumlierman in 
(jenesee and Saginaw cnunties, and engaged in exporting pine, Sf|uare oak 
timlier. etc., for \essel liuilding. He is still living on his farm in Montrose 
township. 

-Vrchibald remained at home until tw"entv-se\'en ^■ears of age. He be- 
came interested in lumbering when still a bo\-, and as soon as practicalole 
he d.e\dted himself to the business. He handled ex])ort trade almost exclu- 
si\eh". He would ])urchase a tract of timber land and tlien get out the material 
for vessel building, etc. b^or two years he Avas connected with the Piatt 
P>rad1e^• Company, of Hamilton, Ontario, looking after that firm's lumlicr in- 
terests at Saginaw. Pie was also employed for a time bv the state to guard 
the timber interests on the state lands. 

Pie next started a sawmill and the crating works in Flint. He has nrit 
had .all smooth sruling, howe\er. for at one time his ]ilant was completely 
burned out. Pie set resolutely to work and in a short time was again doing 
a good business. Plis energy and pluck found expression in many enterprises 
with which he later beL'ame connected, one of these l)eing the Flint Sleigh 
Companw -\t the present time he is doing general contracting business. 

He was married at Vienna to ^liss -\nna Colton, wdio died seven years 
after their union. Three children were born to them. They are: Archie Lee, 
Glen Garv, and Marguerite. Air. AIcGillivray's second marriage took place in 
Flint in T902 to Aliss Winifred Williams, of Genesee township, daughter of 
Samuel AA'illiams. 

Mr. McGillivrav is a member of the Alasonic fraternity. His =tanding 



GEXESi-:!: Lorxrv, air iik.ax. 2\- 

aiiKing' liis friends and l)usiness associates is excellent, all of whom sustain the 
hiL;liest cnnrtdence in his integ'rity and siumd husincss iudj^'mcnt. 



I'REDRTfK I.. TLd'l'l'.U. W. D. 



h'redrick E. ru])])cr. Al. I)., nf Mint, was hnni in Michigan in the '30s. 
His fathei'. the l\e\'. Alexander I npjier. was horn in Alnnrue C(iunt\-. Xew 
^'iirk. and In-- nintlier, AIar\' ( ( lanihle 1 rn])])er. was a native nf \ei"ni<int. 
Rev. 'rn])|)er came to Alichigan in an early day and assumed pastorates in 
various parts of the state. He preached his first sermon in a log school at 
Grand Pdanc. Tde had charge of Baptist congregations in ronliac, ]\Iilford, 
Clarkston, and also at Toledo. ()hi<i. hUr two years he had charg;e of the 
I'irst iiaptist church of I' lint, lie was a man of rare talent an<l of wide edu- 
cation. Pie spoke se\'en different languages and was a dnent jjulpit oratoj-. 
Tde p<_)ssessed consideral.ile hnsiness al)ilit\' and mechanical genius, and was 
enahled to carry out other jjrojects \\hilc still discharging his duties as ])astor. 
He huilt the first gas wijrks in I'ontiac. Michigan, his talent and fitness heing 
at once recognized h\' the citizens. His in\enti\e turn of mind foun.d expres- 
sion in several ])atents that ha\'e ])roved ^■aluahle additions in their respective 
fields. He was of a henevolent turn, hut took heed not to jiarade his gifts 
before men. He de|)arted this life while li\ing in ( )liio. .Mrs. 'I'ui)per died in 
Michigan. This union resiUted in the hirth of a large I'amily, all of wlnm 
;ire now deceased exce])t I'redrick, the subject of our sketch, and one sister, 
Mar\- 1.,, wife iif j. 1". flecker. 

I'redrick's hoyhod days were spent chielly on .Michigan soil. On reaching 
niatnritx' he engaged in business in Clark count)-, remaining there for about 
ten \ears. He then discontinued his interests there and remo\ed to West i!ay 
City. Later he came to Flushing and then took up the study of medicine. He 
entered the Afichigan College of [Medicine at Detroit and graduated in due 
time. He he.gan the ])ractice of his ])rofession in West Pay City, where he 
continued to iiracticc for several years, when, on account of ill health, he 
ga\-e U]) acti\'e ])ractice for a time in order to recuperate. 

I'ollowing this he removed to I'dinl, and as his health became restored he 
entered again actix'eh' into the practice of his profession. He soon estal)- 



Ji8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

lislied a y 1 Inisiiiess and was immediateh" recognized as an al)le addition 

til the medical fraternity of the city. He is not only progressixx. but aggressive 
as well, and has lieen identified with leading local and national medical organ- 
izations. He is a member of the Xorth American National Association, the 
State Medical Societ\' and also the (ienesee C'l.inntx- Medical Association. 

He was married in \no2 to Miss Jennie Reed, who was born in Iluriin 
count}". Michigan. ;ind their union has resulted in the birth of two children. 

Or. I upper has lieen acti\e in puljlic life wherever he has been stationed, 
ha\ing been health officer for se\eral years while at I>av Citv, and while at 
Meredith performed efficient serxice for the general \velfare. 



COLOXEL STOCKTOX. 



Colonel Thomas Ba^dis W'hitmarsh Stockton, of bdint. the \oungest of 
thirteen children born to Charles and lilizabeth (Xorth) Stockton, was born 
in \\ alton, Delaware county, Xew Adrk, June i8, 1803, and died at his home 
in b'lint December S, 1890, ha\ing attained the age cif eighty-fi\e N'ears and 
six months. A second cousin of his father's was Richard Stockton, who was 
a signer of the Declaration of Indei)endence. An<ither relative was Commo- 
dore Stockton, of the I'nited States na\\-. whose activitv on the Pacific re- 
sulted in events of such \ ast imjiortance. and whose name has been gi\'en to the 
city of Stockton, California. 

Charles Stockton. Thomas' father, settled in 1816 on a large tract of land 
that he had ijurchased in Delaware count\', Xew York. The mother died 
when Thomas was still in infancy, and he was adopted b}" a married sister, 
Mrs. Dr. T. IS. W'hitmarsh. hence the name W hitmarsh. He was graduated 
from the Mi1itar\- Academ\- at \\est Point in the class of 1827, and as brexxt 
second lieutenant was assigned to diUy at Jefferson liarracks. St. Louis. Mis-' 
souri, and the next year as second lieutenant of the I""irst Infantry United States 
armw He was sent to Ft. Snelling, near St. Paul, ^Minnesota, the most r.orth- 
ern post of the upper Mississippi, under Lieutenant Zacharx- Taylor. In 1832 
he was assigned as assistant (|uartermaster at Prairie du Chien, where he was 
promoted to be first lieutenant of the b'irst Infantry. Here he was married, 
March 3, 1830, to IMaria (1. Smith, of Detroit. Being an expert topogra])hical 



(;k.\i-:si-:i-: coiwi^'. mk iiicax. juj 

engineer lie was soon detailed u> Detroit, ))eing placed in charge <<\ ihe Imilding 
of military roads and bridges. While so eni])loyed he \-isited h'lint in 1834. 
lia\-ing surveyed the tui-iii)ike tlnou-^h tliis place from Detroit to Saginaw, 
ihe ncNt \ear he resigned from the army and was employed tor ten years 
li\- the government as a civil engineer. sur\e\ing and ini])ro\ing most ot the 
])rinci])al lake harl)ors of ()hio. .Michigan and Indiana, making Michigan City. 
Indiana, his home, lie was elected mayor of that cit_\- in 1S38. In 1847 he 
was apiiointed colmiel of the I'irst Michigan X'olunteers, that heing the only 
regiment raised in the state for the Mexican war. lie was appointed ci\'il 
and niilitarx' go\ernor of the cit\' of Cordova, where jiart of his regiment was 
stationed. Coming to Mint in 1831) he made this cit\' his home until 1832, 
when he renioxed to California, 

Air. Stockton's wife was the youngest daughter of Jacob Smith, who was 
(loul)tless the first white settler of this place, his death occurring here in 
1825. He had been a ca]>tain at Detroit at the time of Hull's surrender. 
After the close of the war of iSij he was emplo}ed bv the goxernment to 
visit the Chi]j])ewa Indians, .and. locating on the I'lint ri\er, he soon entered 
upon intimate terms with this tribe, and his efforts resulted in tht treatv made 
1)\' (ieneral Cass at Sagni;iw ni 1811;. I lis log cabin stood on the bank of 
the ri\-er at what is now the corner of ( l;irlanil and .South streets. The In- 
dians, especiallv Chief .Xaonii. h;id become so attached to him and his family 
that thev insisted on reser\ing a section nf l;uid for each of his four ilaugh- 
ters. llarriet, the eldest of these, became the wife of Captain John (iarland, 
w.liose name was ])erpetu;ited in the naming of (iarland street. Flint. Louisa, 
another daughter, married Chauncey I'axiie, ani] for manv \cars the\- made 
their home in hdint also. l'a\ne street lieing named in their honor. Maria, 
the \'oinigest, became the wife of Colonel Stockton, as already noted. Her 
section of land la\' some distance down the hdint ri\er. an<l t'olduel Stockton 
then ])tn-chased another section adjoining the originrd town ])lat. In 1845 
he laid off Stockton's addition, com])rising eight}' acres, extending to Church 
street on ilie east and hoinided bv Court street on the south. When the state 
school for the deaf was located here Colonel Stockton don.ated twenty acres 
on condition that the school should be erected upon this tr;ict. The trustees 
bought an adjoining tract. howe\er. u])on which the main building" was placed, 
though the new I'.iown b.ill iloes occup\' the site as originally intended. 

Retiu'ning from t'alifornia in 1838, where he had been engaged in min- 



220 BIOGRAPHICAL IHSTURV 

ing- ami in the L'nited States custom serx'ice. and in the luiilding oi telegraph 
lines, he tendered his services to the government at the outbreak of the Civil 
war. Idis ser\'ices not being accepted at once by Governor Blair, he appealed 
di recti}- to the President and was authorized to raise a regiment known as 
Stocktiin"s Indeiiendent Regiment, and which was enrolled finally, at the 
request of the governor, in the Sixteenth [Michigan Volunteers. \\ hen re- 
porting for duty at Washington in September, 1861, Cnlonel Stockton was 
assigned to the Third Brigade, P'irst Division, P'ifth Army Corps, Armv of 
the Potomac. He was in the peninsular campaign under McCleltan, was at the 
siege of \ orktown and the battles at Hamiver Court Hnuse, Mechanicsville 
and Gaines" ]\Iill. At the latter jjoint he was made [jrisoner and confined in 
Lil)by prison until exchanged the following August. He then again assumed 
command of his regiment just after the second Ijattle of Bull Run, and during 
the absence of the brigade commander. General Butterwi irth. he held com- 
mand during the liattles ()f Antietam, Shei)lierdstown, r^-edericksl)urg and 
Ciiancellorsville. He then resigned to accept an offer tri raise five regiments 
which congress bad authorized Andrew Johnson, to use in eastern Tennessee, 
Imt as the autborit}- was re\-oked before he bad made much progress he re- 
turned t<i ])ri\ate life in Plint. 

He engaged in the commission business in the old warehnuse that occu- 
pied the site <.)f the present city mills. Always a Democrat he was generally 
found in his party's councils, and was a delegate to the national con\-ention in 
1872 that nominated Horace (ireelc\- for the presidency. Of twent_\'-tw(T 
children in his father's family, including nine by a second marriage, Colonel 
Stockton was the last survi\-or. Ide was survived, however, by bis companion 
in life until .Vpril. i8g8, when she, too, passed to rest, aged sixty-one years. 
Their married life was singularh- beautifitl in its harmon^• and marked bv 
a great similaritv of taste and the absence of anv discordant tones. 

IMrs. Stockton was a lady of rare training, and this was so coupled with 
natiu"al abilit\- that her impress upon the life and societ)' was in many respects 
most marked. 

In 1836 she and se\eral other ladies organized at her In ime the first 
laglies' free librarv in ^lichigan. She was chosen its first president, and from 
that time her interest ne\-er fiagged, although the general interest aliated 
somewhat during the Ci\il war period. In 1870 she reported the resrilutions 
passing the control o\-er to the city. 



(.i".xi-:si-:i': (■( )i\"i ■^". mkhk.ax. 



.'J I 



riie nnl}" chilli til rc.'u'li inaturUy was liaylis (iarland Slncktnii. whn was 
Ijoni in \\'asliin_t;tiin. District nt I'uhinihia, July 25. 1832, in the Imuse ni 
General McCiMimlis. whn was ciniiinandei" of the army while C'lilonel SlncktDn 
was stationed there, lie went to Califonn'a with his parents and retur-ned to 
Michi.yan in iSfi^, an<l has since li\-ed in h'lint. In 1S73 he disposed of the 
warehouse and huilt what is uinv the rntnani elexator. lie lost the sig'ht of 
one eye at that time. 

I le was married at San Jose. California, to Miss Mary Mc(ireerey. Their 
only son. Thomas I'rancis Stockton, is a capable attorney, ])racticin_<i- in Flint. 




WILLI AAi H. RL'SSKLL. M. D. 



William H. Russell, nf Mint, was horn at -Slign. Ireland, l'"ehruar\- 26, 
1842. He was the sun nf jnhn Russell, a miller nf Slig'o, who located at 
Romeo. .Michigan, about iStCI. later hecoming a farmer near Almont, Lapeer 
countx', where he died at the age of se\ent\'-three ^■ears. 

\\ illiam worked for two \ears in Romeo as a mechanic and then became 
assistant engineer on the tug, "R. ]\. h-lliott." Lie later mastered the carriage 
maker's trade and was engaged at that for h\e \ears at Rome(> and Almont. 

( )n August 17, j8f)i. he enlisted in the luiion army and Ijecanie l.nigier 
for ( 'oiupanN' L of the hirst Michigan Ca\'alr\'. llis exjjeriences in the ser\"ice 
would form a long and interestnig stor\'. .Mention can he made here of but a 
few of his adxentures. He was in action at W incbestei', Muldleton. Stras- 
hurg, Harrisljurg, Orange Court Llouse, Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, 
.\f|ua, Thorofare Ca]i and (ireenwich. After this the regiment liecame a ])art 
of (leneral Custer's command. They were engaged after that in such con- 
flicts as those at Hano\er. (iettx'sburg, ^hmtere}-, Carleton.Boonsboro, Hagers- 
town, ^^'illiams|)ort, hailing Waters, Cul|)ep])er Court TLmse, Raccoon Ford, 
Stexenshurg. Richmond, the Wilderness and Cold Harbor. With iiinet\-three 
men. of whom he had command, he was detached for fighting from Harper's 
h'errx' to Winchester, and here he was surrounded, wounded and captured. He 



(;|'"..\I':sI';r c■()l"^•^^■. miciik.ax. 22^ 

was imprisMiH'il al Lyiu'hliur.i;'. 1 'eiiihciti mi. I.ililjv, l)aiuillo and Salislnirv, he- 
\uii II pn'siincr for iwn liimilrc-il aii<l (.Mj^lUy-lwo (lass. lie. with twn ntlicrs, es- 
caped twice frnin Datuillc. West \'ir.<;"iiiia, hut was recaptured. With tweh-e 
C(>iii])aniiiiis he attain made his escape fi-i'iii Mainille. and was twice winindcd. 
once in the face and (mce in the knee. 

After the close of the war he returned to .Michii^an. and later he.sjan 
readin.L; medicine with I )r. .McTaj^^^arl at ( irand RapiiN. IK- attended Detroit 
Medical ( 'olles^e. at the conclnsidn of which he lies^an jjractice in (lio in 
iNj^v In 191)1 lie rcnio\ ed from Clio to Mint, and has since heen there en- 
.ti'a,ijed in .q'eneral practice, lie has ke])t in the forefront of his ])rofession. 
He i.s a iiieinher of hoth the stale and couiU\ nieilical associations, lie is an 
acti\e lod.Lje worker, hein<;' an ( )dd i'ellow and also a Mason. In the Masonic 
fraternit\' he has held ini])i>rtant offices, haxing heen secretar\- (if the (irand 
Lodoe. Tie is also a nieniher of the chapter and of the coiiimander\-. lie is 
an actixe Ke]nihlican, and has rendered efficient and earnest ser\ice to his 
l)art\". He was on the \illa,<i"e council at Clio for some years, lie is a mem- 
her also of the (Irand .\rm\- of the l\ci)ulihc, and is past commander of the 
]):ist. lie is --enior \ice-commander of the department of Michi«an. and \ice- 
presideni of the Soldiers' and Sailors' .\ssociation of Xortheast Michi.S:;;in, and 
in 1887 was its ])resident. He was L'nited States pension examiner on the 
])ension hoai'd for se\"eral \ears while at C lio. 

Mr. Knsscll was married in iS'iX to Miss .\gnes Alcl\a\', of Almonet. 
sister of the Hon. W illiani .\lcKa\, e\-sherilT of Tnscola comity. She was 
horn at Kilmornic, .\\ershire, Scotland, and came to -\merica when a .yirl. 
Their famil\- consists of l.eland 11., a teacher and merchant at Montrose. 
Michi.iian, and l-'lorence. wife of Charles Donahue, of hlint. 

Dv. UnsscH's interest in his ])nd"ession and its ])ro.i;ress has ne\'er ahatcd. 
and he exerts a ]iolent intlnence in the coinmnnity for its i^'eneral im])ro\'e- 
menl and w el fare. 



224 BIOGRAl'lUCAL HlSruUV 

GEORGE LA DLi:. 

All". George La Due, dealer in real estate and insurance, was born at Red- 
wood, Jefferson count}-, }\ew ^'ork, April, 1845. His grandfather was a 
native of France, and his father hailed fmni A'eruKint. George was reared 
at RedwiHid and learned the blacksmith's trade. He had considerable nati\"e 
skill as a mechanic and ere lung this led him tn engage in work other than that 
of his trade. CVmiing west in i86(> he npened up a shop at Farran\ille, Gene- 
see county, Michigan, continuing there for five years. Then, in company 
with his brother, he started a lumber mill at l'~arran\ ille and engaged in the 
manufacture of lumljer, shingles, sta\-es, etc. Later he started a similar plant 
at the C(.iunt\' line and de\el<iped an extensi\e business. His business methods 
were l)oth direct and u^jright, and he easily gained the cimfidence and esteem 
of all with whom he held dealings. 

]n conjunction with the mills he also dealt in merchandise, but in 1889 
he closed out his business and remo\ed to Strmdish, Alicbigan, and l)ecame a 
stockholder in the Cjray Milling Company, makers of Hour and cooperage sup- 
plies. He became manager of the concern, but after eighteen months he re- 
turned to I'dint. 

His business sagacit\' and integrit}' were now generally recognized and he 
was made manager of the Pallet table works, with which he had bad business 
relations, and which was in need of a head that could place it on a more de- 
sirable basis. This undertaking has resulted in the anticipated success. 

Mr. La Due then began the manufacture of light high grade \-ehicles, 
including l)ic\'cles, surrevs, etc. This line of work did not de\-elop as success- 
fully as was desired and was later abandoned, after which Afr. La Due gave 
his attention to real estate and is still thus engaged. 

Mr. La Due was one of the promoters of the Union Trust Company and 
is one of its leading stockholders. The George La Due addition to Mint was 
platted in looi. This is in the fifth ward, south of Wood street, between De- 
troit and Saginaw streets, and comprises thirt_\-se\'en lots. It has been im- 
proved and lots ha\'e l>een sold_ without diftlcult}'. hi addition to this enter- 
prise Mr. La Due has built extensivelv, erecting residences of a high grade, 
anil these ha\e been much in demrmd in recent years. He conducts also a 
general agenc\' business, including farm property and insurance. He is one 



(iF.XKSEE COLX'r\'. .M 1(1 1 K .AX. 225 

(if the li\e real estate hustlers of the cit_\'. and has ilmie iiualuahie service in. 
siiniulatiui;' and pn niidtins^' the cit}'"s ,t;'ni\\th and adx'ancenienl. 

lie has not aspired I:) ])ul)lic ])niniineiu-e of any kind. i)veferrin!4' ratlier 
to attend to hnsiness and has. therefore, refused all olVers of ])nl)lic oftice of 
an}- kind. ]de has been a Mason for thirty-four years, lie likes to take his 
vacations, wlien the seas( n a])]jr(iaches. and is cs])ecially fond of Imnting and 
iishing. entering into the sport as heartily as he does his transactions in 
business. 

in I '^74 he was married to Klizabeth l'i])pin. of Aft. Clemens, and se\'en 
chiklren ha\e been liorn of this union. i'Xaline M. is a bookkeeper: Willard 
Robert ^fehine lives at Detroit: the others are Blanche, (jeorgia A.. Tra and 
Iva (twins), and Josephine. 

Thns. with a generous I'amily and a \\h(jlesonie ])ublic spirit, .Mr. J, a Due 
has contributed in a commendable measure t 1 the welfare and proS])eritv of liis 
chosen cit\'. 



IS 




W ILLlAAi L. FlSllEK. 



y\y. W illiani L. I'isher. superinlciKlenl of the city water woi'ks of Flint, 
was lioni in (lenesee countv, Micliit;aii, July -', if^47. His parents were An- 
drew and Celina ( Spence ) [■"isliei', l)iitli nati\es of Xew ^'nrk state. They 
were ])iiineers in < ienesee c<iunt\-, haxni.L;' settled practically in the forest in 
Alt. .Mnrris tnwnshii), and reclaimed snine of the land from its original soli- 
tude. .\r,drew l-'isher died at the old luniestead. 

William remained im the farm till fourteen years of age, recei\-ing such 
education as was afforded li}" the schools of the neighhorhood, this heing. of 
course. (|uite meager. He then went to the Saginaw high school at Saginaw, 
and later came to Flint. For the last nineteen years he has confined his whole 
attention to the management of the water works. 

Idle jilant is in a mea.sure the ])roduct of his hands, as he has been so 
intimately associated with its growth and development. He was a stock- 
holder in the original company, ddiere are about thirty miles of water mains, 
su])])1ying over two hundred hydrants, besides many private hydrants ow;ned 
by manufacturing concerns. Since the plant was purchased by the city sev- 
eral nnles of mains have been added, and in 1007 many lines are being ex- 
tended to the newer parts of the city. 

During the-^e nineteen years ]\[r. Fisher has had full charge of the i)1ant, 
and this tenure of service alone is a most decided testimonial to his efficiency 



r;i-;\i':siiij: lul'.\"I"\\ mk iik.ax. 227 

and intc.Ljrity. lie ilrcw I'lic ])l;ms fur and l)uilt the ])rL-scnt ])ii\ver house, and 
1)\- such wurk lias made himself an invaluahle aid tu the cil\-, into whose hands 
it passed in i>;().v the cnnsideratinn ])eing $2^12.500. ll is i^uverned by a board 
of water works cduimissioners. and at the present time re|)resents an in\-est- 
ment <if $273,413. It is a self-sustainin.t;' prnjcel. and pa\-s interest nn its 
own jjunds. The luiard keeps in acti\e ser\ice about fifteen employes, and the 
plant is proving' itself a paying' investment on the ])art of the city. The prob- 
lem of municipal ownershi]) is one that is prominently befc^re the people of the 
country, and the e\])eriment is being" tried in \arious ways in many American 
cities. In European cities the jiractice has been in Nugue for some time, and 
its success is due largeb' to the eflicient and upright mana.i;ement of the 
utilities. Mr. h'isher has made for himself already a most en\-ial)le record for 
competency, sagacity and executive ability. 




JACOB KURTZ. 

Mr. Jaci lb Kurtz was born in Clarence township, Erie countv. New York, 
July /, 1843. His parents, Jacob and Anna ( Leib) Kurtz, were both natiA'es 
of Pennsylvania, but emigrated to Clarence township. New York, later on. 
Here Mr. Kurtz ended his days, departing this life at the age of forty-eight 
years. Mrs. Kurtz afterward came tn Michigan, taking up her li)cati(in in 
Genesee cnunt}". where she lived out her allotted time, passing awav at the 
age of sevent}'-three. She was the mother of nine children, of whom Jacob, 
our subject, was the third. 

Jacob was educated and reared in Clarence to\vnship. New ^'ork, and 
devoted his earh- manhood to farming, continuing at this with both success 
and profit. He was a steady worker, and one that could get things accom- 
plished without loss of time. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 
One Hundred and Sixteenth New York Infantry, and ser\'ed until the close 
of the war, June 15, 1865. He, of course, had here a \-aried and interesting 
experience. In the light of modern conditions we wonder at the self-sacri- 
ficing spirit that burned in the hearts of the men of the day that took expression 
in such noble service for the flag of the free. 

He saw hard service and took part in nianv of the fiercely fought liattles 



GK.\i-'.si:i: (■( )i\i ■^■, miciiu.ax. 229 

of the war. At tlie battle nf t'cdar t'reck lie was wnumlcil by a s]3ent ball, 
but soon retiinieil to acti\e service. 

.\t the close ot the war he retunicil to Clarence townshi]). Xew Vork. and 
resumed lu's work on the farm, 1 Ic OMUtinued at tliis until 1874. having been 
married in the meantime to Miss Susannah Diller. .\'o\eml)cr 2~. x866. Miss 
l^iller was a native nf the same town a> he himself, ha \ ins.;- been born there 
September 11. 1S43. She was the dauiihter of Abram and Catherine 
(Drudge) Diller. lioth natives of luae county. Xew \'ork. The Dillers came 
to Genesee county. Michigan, in 1S74. and settled in Genesee county, where 
thev closed their earthly career. .Mr. Diller <lied at the age of sixty-three, 
while Mrs. Diller attained the age of seventy-si.x years. They were blessed 
with tive children, (jf whom. Mrs. Kurtz was the third. 

Air. and Airs. Kurtz came to Genesee county, Alichigan. in April of 
1874, and settled in Thetford township, where Mr, Kmlz ])urchased a farm 
and lived upon it for thirty-three years. In the summer of 1007 he removed 
to l-~lint. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of the best-kept land 
in the vicinitv. The ini]iro\ements are substanial and niodern, and the general 
management of the farm is such as is likely to result in the highest possible 
productiveness of the land, 

Mr, and Mrs, Kurtz are the parents of three children, and the life his- 
tory of the family give abundant evidence of home influence and training in 
molding and shaping the growing youth. Frank, the eldest son. is a mission- 
ary in India, where he has been stationed since 1893. Edith is the wife of 
Colonel O. Swavzee, and she has l.aken a very thorough course of training in 
voice culture and is one of the ablest singers of the city of Flint. She is the 
present choir director of the h'irst liaptist church. Charles J. is a successful 
practicing physician of Chicago. 

Air. Kurtz has held the office of supervisor of Thetford township, and 
for two years was townshi]) treasm^er. Pie has ser\ed as highway commis- 
sioner and has taken an acti\-e and elTecti\'e ])art in the political affairs of the 
township. 

Air. and Airs. Kiu'tz arc active members of the Baptist church, having 
been for twenty-eight years stauncli supporters of that denomination at Mt. 
Alorris. Air. Kurtz has been a nn^st faithful deacon and was chairman of its 
board of trustees for mau\- years. 

The Kitrtz home is at 0-5 Grand Traxers street and is a place where 



230 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

friend meets friend and w here the atnicispliere of peace and comfort is never 
lacking'. 



SAMl'EL B. \MCKS. 



Tiie late Samuel B. \\'icks, of Flint, was born at Carlton, Saratoga 
county, New York, June 3, 1814. His parents, Luzon and Lucy (Baldwin) 
^^'icks. were both nati-\-es of Connecticut. \\ hen Samuel was five vears old his 
father died anil the mother then reni(i\"ed to Wisconsin, where she ended her 
days. After the death of his father, Samuel was Ijound out until he was 
twenty-one years of age. to Mr. James Templeton. He received his education 
in the common schools, and during the years preceding his majority he learned 
the blacksmith's trade. In icS35, ha\'ing reached his twenty-first ^•ear he 
came to Michigan and spent about two }ears at l'.ent\-ille. In 1837 '^^ came 
to Flint and opened \.\[} a blacksmith's shop, continuing in that work more or 
less regularly until i860, at which time he was elected probate judge, serxdng 
in that capacit}' for two terms. 

Following this he became engaged in the retail milk business, continuing 
at that until about 1878, when he secured the aiipointment as first assistant to 
the sergeant-at-arms at the capitol at Lansing, Michigan. He served each 
session of the legislature until 1889. when, after years of declining health. 
he succumbed to the inevitable and was gathered to his fathers on September 
28th of that year. As the greater part of his }-ears were spent here he was 
permitted in his da}' to see great changes in the life about him. W hen he ar- 
ri\ed the county still harljored man}- Indians, Wild animals were abundant, 
and Flint itself consisted of only four or fi\e cabins. He became a member 
of the lodge of Odd Fellows, and -was a Repuljlican and a devout Presbyterian. 
His disposition was most kindh', and this won for him a host of friends. 

On August 8, 1839, Mr. Wicks was married to Miss Emily Harrison, 
who was born at Palmyra, Wayne county, Xew ^'< irk. She was the daughter 
of Rufus and Sara (Sawyer) Harrison, the former a native of Connecticut, 
and the latter of Vermont. Rufus Harrison was a soldier, doing battle for 
the flag during the war of 1812. He followed farming near Palmyra. Xew 
York, and came in 1835 with his famil_\- to Michigan, settling on government 
land near the town of Flushing, Cenesee county. He br(iught the farm up to 



(iEXILSK!': COLXI ■^■, MR liKiAX. J31 

a splendid state nt ini])ri ixeineiit. and liei'e lie ended his da\s in i85''>. 1 lis 
e.stiniai)Io wife sur\i\ed until Octdber J3. i<Sf)4. and passed to rest at tiie 
age of ninetv-three. I'Unr chililren were Ixirn to tliem. of wlioni l-'mih- ( wife 
of Mr. Wicks), was tlio eldest, luuint^" lieen horn in iSk). 'I lie other chil(h'en 
were Andrew. Warren, and Ilarriet. the latter ha\in,<^" lieronie the wife of 
W illiani Sehranien. who now oceiii)ies the old homestead farm near I'dushing. 

Mr. .and .Mr>. W ieks Ijecanie the p.arenls of two cliilch'en. i .ncy and h^d- 
innnd II. Liic\ , who heeanie the wife of W illar.i (Ireenley, now li\es in 
lUirton townshii). lulimind was marrieil to .Sarah iSarker. and he and his 
wife lia\e hotli ])assed to their rest. lea\iiiy a claui;liter. l-nev. who was ])laced 
in charge of her grandmother. .Mrs. Wicks, and was hroiight n]) 1)\- her. 
I^ncy is iiinv the wife of Mihard ilntterlield. a ]irosperiins and exteiisi\e f.arnier 
of fjenesee county. 

Mrs. Wicks is now lixing at (n() Clifford street, hdint, this ha\ing Ijeen 
Iier home for o\er fifty _\ears. She has lived in the cit\' of hdint for ox'er 
sevent}' years. ha\ iiig now reached tlie grand old age of eiglit_\--eight years. 
She was one of the original organizers of tlie Presbyterian clmrch in I'liiit in 
1837. being the \onngest of se\-enteen cliarter menil)ers. Her life has been 
a lixing testimonial fm" the Master. l)eing characterized In- deeds of kindness 
ami charity. She has scattered snnsliine ami cheer o\-er ])athwa\s made dark 
liy misfortune and l)erea\'ement. and has brought comfort and encouragement 
to the depressed and discons ilate. She. too. carries in mind the \-arie.l ex- 
periences of early days, and recalls the time when the familv first saw the 
soil of Michigan. I lie\- came to Detroit b\- boat and there purchased an 
ox team. Then they dro\e through woods, still full of [ndians and wild 
l)easts. and arrived without mishap at their destination in ( ienesee countv. 
which since that time lias made such marvelous growth and imi)ro\-ement. 




RAXSOM X. ML'RRAV, ^I. D. 



Ranscim Xewell Murray, M..D., uf I'Vuit, was Ixini at East Henrietta, 
Monroe count}-, Xew ^'ork, Septem]:)er i8, 1830. He •was the son of Phil- 
ander and Harriet ( M;dthy 1 Murraw the former being a native of Con- 
necticut and the latter ni Saratoga count}-. Xew York. The parents of our 
subject came to Abjuroe count}', Xew ^'ork, after their marriage and ]\Ir. 
Murray de\'ote(l himself for a part of the time to farming, and at otlier times 
to mechanical \vork. In 183!. when Ransom was about a year old, his par- 
ents removed to W'estfield. \\'ashtenaw county, Michigan, where they s])ent 
the remainder of their years. 

Ransom remained on the farm until about eighteen, recei\'ing such train- 
ing and education as opportunit}' aflorded. He then went to private school at 
Ann Arbor and became grounded in the necessarv fundamentals of English, 
Latin and Greek. In 1852 he entered the medical department of the State 
L'niversity of ^Michigan. He read medicine also with Dr. Pray at Salem, 
and with Dr. Lammond, of I'dint, Michigan, joining the latter in taking care 
of his large and lucrati\'e practice. His next move by way of preparation 
was at the Jefferson ^Medical School of Philadelphia, from w-hich he graduated 
with high honors with the class of 1856. He kept himself well informed in 
his profession and followed his practice in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and vicinity 



GENESEE COL'XTV. .MU IIK.AX. 233 

until 1874. At this t'lue he remii\c(l tn l-akc City, Minnesnta, where lie 
operated a g'rist mill in (.-(iniijany with his Ijrolher. h". H. Miirraw Three 
years later, in 1877, ho tnnk ti]) his practice of medicine in h'linl. I le has not 
(.)nlv h;ul an en\"ial)le practice, hut has also l)cen a hiisx- menihcr of the medical 
societies of the state, such as the Stale Medical Sucicty. the American Medical 
Association and xarinus nihers. lie helped to organize the County Med- 
ical Societ}-. and has heen a constant attendant ui)on its meet- 
ings. His wiirk in the various hospitals has heen hoth extensive and of 
great inipiirl. Ixitli tn liinisclf and tn thnsc with whom lie was assucialed. lie 
was enahled in tliis huspital work to see S(jme of the achie\enients nf many of 
the most ])niniinent surgeons of the day, and 119 tn. ik nn small ])art in man}' 
operations nf cunsiderahle note. He visited some of the nntcd hnspitals of 
Chicago, and w.as with the INIayo's Hos])ital at Rochester, Alinnesnta, where 
the clinics were ;Utendcd hy si ime nf the hest surgeons frnni the L'nited 
States and Canada. Previdus tu this he sjjent three ninn.tlis ;il>riiad visiting 
the leading hospitals and attending clinics at Edinhurgh, LunddU and Dublin. 

Dr. Murray has given special attention to abdominal sin-gery, pertaining 
to tumors, appendicitis, etc. For some vears he conducted the affairs of the 
I-'lint Huspital, and was fur one \'ear connected with the Imspital at B<iyne 
Citw Michigan, in assDciatii in with Dr. Charters, and still retains his interest 
in that institntiim. His abilitx' .is an njieratur has been recngnizcd by the 
leading professional men nf the community. Dr. Murray has confined liimself 
chieth" to his practice, and has studiouslx- avoiiled ])nlitics or political prefer- 
ment. I'"(ir twel\-e years he has been ph_\-sician fur the Michigan school for 
the deaf, and local exrunincr frir the leading old-line life insurance companies. 

He was married at .\tlas. ( ienesee county, tn Miss Emma \i. Cady. Their 
son. h'redrick. flied at the age of fourteen. Eleanor, their daughter, became the 
wife I if jnhu Idam.aker. .She is at iirescnt at the hmue of Dr. Murra_\- with 
her fi nn- children — h'rancis. Inhn. .Vmbrnse and Lawrence. The dnctnr and 
faiuily are substantial su]i])nrters of the I^)a|ilisl church and nccu])y a high 
jilacc in the social life of the comiuunity. 



234 BlUGRAl'lllLAL HISTORV 

THE TORREY EAAIIIA'. 

Tlie l:istor\- nf tlie 'I'orreys forms an interesting and valnalsle cuntriliution 
to the present wnrk. They are of English origin and an examination ni their 
genealogy hrings t<i light the fact that members of this famih- have been emi- 
nenth' associated with the growth and (le\'eli)])ment of our commnnwealth 
from its earliest histor}' dnwn ti) the present time. The earliest ancestor, 
concerning whom reliable data is available, was Philip Torrev, the father of 
seven children, all Ixirn in England, and having their Imme in the hamlet nf 
Ciimlje, St. Xicholas, Somersetshire. The four bovs ijf the famih' came tn 
America and settled at We^niouth. near Roston, ^lassachusetts. and f n >m two 
of these, William and James, are descended nearlv rdl the 'riirre\s in America. 
The descendants of James, howe^-er. are now the only ones that Ijear the 
famil}' name. 

-Mention here cm be made of onh' a few of the instances on record 
pertaining to the association the memljers of this famih- ha\e had with the 
histor\- of the countr}-. 

The most remarkable character of the four original famous brothers was 
\\'illiam. He was an author, among his works being a book called "A Dis- 
cour^^e n])on I'utnrit}' or Things to Come." He was skilled in the Latin 
tongue, a good pemnan. a member of the "Ancient Honora])le Artiller\- ( )rder" 
and the early records of all kinds in Boston bear the signature of William 
Torrel. "clerk of the deputies." He died in i6go. 

Tve\-. Iose])h Torrev was president of the L'ni\ersitv of X'ermont, and 
other Torrexs were presidents of this sort. 

Again. "Rajah Torrey." so-called, a descendant of ^^'illiam. was for 
fourteen \ears absolute monarch of a portion of the Island of Borneo under 
the title. "Rajah of Amix))- andXa\-o:>du." He was born in 1828 at Bath, 
Maine, and at one time editor of the "Hong Kong Times" at Hong Kong, 
China: also consul to Siam; founder of the American Trading Company of 
Borneo in 1864: in 1879 secretary to the Cnited States legati(3n in Siam; 
returned to this countr}- in 1883; was appointed by the king of Siam his chief 
ad\-isor, but died in Boston in 1884. His full name was Jciseph William 
Torre\', and his record seldom e(|ualed. 

Charles Turner Torrey. a descendant of James, was commonh' known 
as "-Martvr Torrew" A clero\'man and anti-sla\-erv adx'ocate. he resigned 



(ii':.\i-:sKi-: ojL'xrN'. MiriiKiAX. 235 

liis pastorate and (k'Nutcd hinisclf Id the cause nf the nes^To. In 1S44 he was 
convicted <if an attempt tn aid the esca])e of slaves.- sentenced to Ions;' im- 
prisonment in tlie state jjcnilentiary at BaUimore. and died from exposure 
and ill usage incident to ])rison life. His funeral was attended from Tremont 
temple, I'.oston. hv an immense concoiu'se of people. .\s a result " lorrev's 
l)lood crieth out" hecame the watchword of the Aholiiion party. 

Hut we can not close this introduction without reference to a historian 
of our own. (pf no mean repute among the Flint ( Michigan) Torrevs, to-wit : 
Rupert 'i. Toi-rey. He frankly admits it to lie a conundrum from whence 
came all of the Torreys — is rather inclined to the opinion that they were of 
Spanish origin — pa}'s the name a line trihute when he kneels upon the blood- 
stained grass on the slopes of Bunker Hill, and. bending over the prostrate 
form of a wounded soldier, and in response, is faintly whispered the name of 
"John Torre}'." ^'es, John Torrey, who afterward Ijecame the grandfather 
of nearly all the Torreys in Xew ^'ork state and Michigan, and \\h<ise own 
family consisted of Tolly, Abigail. John. Tryphena. Jesse, William. Asa, 
Daniel. Orange, Betsex' (all deceased), among the descendants of whom are 
today the members of the Torre}- reunion of l-'lint, Michigan. 



JESSE TORREY. 



Jesse Torrey was born on the 13th day of Feljruar}-, 17S5. in Massa- 
chusetts, and was one of the ten children of John Torrev and Abigail Rich- 
ardson. 

Jesse's father was born .September 3, 1754. in Massachusetts, and died 
March (). iS_'_', in York state, and .\bigail Richardson was l)orn Jul,- 24. 
1755. and died .\ugust S. 1S45, in the same state. 

While \ er}- little is known of the said John Torrey the fan-iil}- Bible 
containing the abo\-e record is still in existence. We learn that he was in 
the Re\-olutionary war :md fought on liunker Hill, and, with others, used the 
butt of his gun after the .-inimunition was gone. His widow-, .\bigail. after his 
death drew- ;i ])ension. lie and his wife and son \\ illiam are buried in an 
orchard on the farm of Segar 'I'orre}-. two miles south of Stafford \illage. 
Genesee county, Xew- ^'ork. but no stone marks their resting place. 



236 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Now, returning' to Jesse Torrey. his first wife was Sallv Annis. tn whi an 
lie was married in Vnrk state in 1806 or 1807. Tliree children lalessed this 
union — Asenath, -\sa and Alimzo — and after his wife's deatli lie was again 
united in marriage to Amanda Judd, and three children — Aurilla, Alhert and 
Almon — were horn to them. After the lnss nf his second wife he again mar- 
ried, being united to Alelissa Cooley, and they had six -children, viz. : Amanda, 
Andre, Alfred, Allen, Alvin and Adora, Allen dying at the age of five vears. 

Jesse Torrey and his elder children were in every sense typical pioneers 
of this county, he ha\'ing, together witii his sons, Asa, Hiram, Judd and 
Roswell Standard, cut a i)ath or mad through the woi.ids marked Ijv blazing 
trees from the old site of the "Thread flouring mills," in the south part of 
the city of Flint, tc) the original Torrey settlement, arriving there October 
ig, 1835, at which time there were l>ut two log houses in the present city 
of Flint. 

Jesse gave his sons, Asa and Alonz(i, eightv acres of land each, located 
the whole of fractional section twenty-four and a part of twent}--three in 
township seven north, range six east, for himself. He paid $i.-5 per acre to 
the United States go\'ernment for said lands, and he had about four thou- 
sand dollars left, which he in\ested ju<liciouslv. He aided liberalh' in puljlic 
impro\-ements of all kinds in the neighborhood. 

Being past fifty }ears of age at this time it was indeed a pioneer life to 
him, Init a brave heart and willing hands soon made a home in this dense 
forest, and in after years he euji:)yed the pleasures that earlier ilays had earned. 

The crude tools and implements with \vhich these sturd\- pioneers hewed 
and wrought for themsehes and families homes out of the virgin forests 
illustrates the primitive method in vogue during the days of our fathers, and 
their earnestness to do and be. 

Peo])le often got lost in sight of their (jwn homes. The howd of the 
wcdf was more common than that of dogs now; venison took the place of 
beefsteak: a man with an ax upon his shoulder was an inevitable suggestion 
of dinner for the cattle, as they browsed upon the limbs cut from the trees. 

Jesse was a man of determined resolutions and strong convictions, a hard 
worker, temperate, true to his friends, had a true sense of justice, was a 
Methodist through and throug'h, an abolitionist and anti-slaxery advocate in 
his day, and served tweh-e days in the L'nited States army in the war of 181 2. 

Being a musician, wdien a A'oung man he performed on the bagpipe. 



GENESEE COL'XTN', M K 1 1 K ,AX. 2i-j 

and Dtten nii liuslnn C'nniniuns he attracted a lar,t;c cruwd ainl wmilil then 
sell til them his merchandise. 

He. together with his sons. Asa. Alonzo. Albert and Ainu in. Hiram judd. 
Jeremiah Kclsey and a few others practically huilt the i ild Torrev clun'ch, hnt 
it required extraordinary C(_inrage to begin and genuine ])luck to complete. 

Pie was gathered tn his fathers on the i i th nf Xnvember. 1865. aged 
eiglitv years and nine niniuhs. llis wife, Melissa, was born October 26. iSiA. 
and died October 14. iSijj. 



ASA rORRFA'. 

Asa Torrev. the eldest sun nf Jesse Torrev and Sallv Annis, was born 
in the town of Bethany, two miles south of Stafford, (ienesee couiUy. Xew 
York, on the iQth day (if lA'bruary, 1811. 

When a bo\- he had praclicallv no educational advantages: ne\er had 
a pair nf shoes or boots until ])ast eight \"ears old, except those made from 
the toi)s of old boots made li\' the tra\eling shoemaker: and. being thus h.ard- 
ened by exposiux, could and did slide on the ice barefoot as well as a boy with 
boots, and these ])rivations in no sense crushed his spirits or tended in :ui}' 
wa\' to weaken his character, but on the contrar\' he grew into slin'd\' man- 
hood ;ind de\eliiped (|ualities of character, cimrage. strength and furtitude 
anil sterling integritx" that few men possessed. He became a man with posi- 
ti\'e con\dctions. and stood li\- what he beliex'ed to be true and ri,ght. Being 
an abolitionist he was always intensely patriotic and ,ga\e twn sons, John and 
George, to his countrw tugether with several hundred dnllars in aiding Jnlin 
in recruiting his cnmpan\- ihu'ing the (_'i\il war. He was earnest in religion 
and mural m;aters. givin.g liberalh' tn the church .and for charitable purposes: 
stood for public and ])rivate improvements, and by his great strength and 
])erse\erance overcame difliculties and made a success of life. And of him 
it can be tnd\- said : "I ie has done his share of the world's work." 

?Ie was united in marriage to ^Tiss Orissa Wdiite on the Jist day of 
A])ril. 1833. the cereumny bein,g ])erfornied in the old clnn-ch yet standing 
in South liethany. Genesee cmuity. Xew ^'llrk. In the fall of i8_^3 he re- 
moved with his wife and one child. Jnhn. to Mint, ^Fichigan, in company w ith 



238 BIOGRAI'HICAL HISTORY 

his father. Jesse, and Hiram J mid and Ruswell Stanard. He settled on the 
west half of the imrtlnvest t|uarter (if section t\ventv-h\'e. tnwnship of hdint. 
two miles south of the cit}-, arri\ing on the 19th day nf Octoher, 1835. with 
a halance of fifty cents in his pocket. He huilt a lug- cahin. twehe b}- eighteen 
feet, with nne roof, one door and one wnidnw, and lued in it twelve vears. 
Fr<im tlie door cif this caliin he shut man\' a deer. Wdlf and other \vild animals. 
He participated in the first election held in the then \'illage of (jrand Trav- 
erse, now the city of Flint, after ^Michigan had been admitted as a state. It 
was held in Daniel h'reeman's blacksmith shop, the anvil answering for a 
tal)le and .Mr. Judge Stowe's i)lug hat ser\ing for a liox. He was a mechanic 
and a wdikI worker and built threshing machines liefore coming to Michigan. 

Asa Torrey was a staimch Alethcjclist: had taken the Xew ^'ork "Christian 
Advocate" since 1840, found great comfort in singing the oldest hymns of 
Alethodism. was a teetotaler, of cheerful disp )sition. lived and died in the 
firm Ijelief of the inspiration of the Scriptures and a hope Indght with 
immortality. He died of the infirmities of age Xo\-eml)er 9, i8r;9. nearly 
eightv-nine years of age. 

His funeral sendees were held from the Bristol church. Rew Orlando 
Sanljorn officiating, assisted bv Rew PI. E. ^^'olfe. The remains were Inu'ied 
in the famih' lot in Bristol cemetery. 

The family consisted of John. Clark A\'.. Sall\-. George D.. Ordelia. 
Alahala. James ]\1. and A. Perrw Alahala died at the age of fourteen years; 
George ]). died at Pittsburg Landing. Tennessee, while a member of Com- 
pan\' A. Thirteenth IMicJiigan \'olunteer Infantrw in the Cixdl war, ser\-ing 
his countr\- in the h'ederal armv as a pri\-ate, at the age of nineteen \'ears and 
nine months, and sleeps under the sod of a southern battlefield in probal:)h" an 
unknown and unmarked grave. Sally married John Alortimer. l)ut died at 
the age of twenty-three, leaxdng one son, (ieorge A., father of Brent [Mortimer, 
a bright ^dung hny of elex'en summers, who died in 1898. 

( )rissa \\ bite Torre}- was a woman of few words, but of strong, clear 
mentality, quiet piet}'. correct principles, possessing spiritual life and experi- 
ence, an<l being a person who. "with charitv for all and malice toward none" 
in her heart. l)y kind and courteous treatment through a l<ing life, nexer had 
an enemv, and died belo\'ed by all. 

r>orn of Xew Englantl filood. in I-'ranklin township. Franklin countw 



GEXESEE COL'XrW .M Kl liGAX. 239 

\'cmii)ni. Mil till" J(<\h (lay nf July. 1810. she was married to Asa Torrev and 
rcni(i\-C(l t(i .Miclii,i;aii and was a faithful helimieet in true pioneer st\ie. 

She was a kind and l(i\in.<;' mother and a wise counsellor to lier chil- 
dren; and. nut findnii;- time suliicieni for the study nf the llilile thriiui;h the 
da\-, she set apart tlie Imur fmm funr to li\-e in the niorniu"' fur studvine 
the Scriptures and fur i>rayer. which |)ractice she fnlldwed frcmi the lnj)- cahin 
days to the time of her death. 

She entered into rest nn the 7th day <>i .\])ril. iS(;7. at^-ed nearly ei.a^htv- 
se\en years, and was huricil lix' the side of her hushand. 

"Thnu shalt cinne l" thy yra\e in a full a,L;e like a sh. n-k nf cnrn Cometh 
in in his seasmi.'" 



ALOX7X) TORRi':V 



Alnnzo Torre}' first saw the lis^ht id' da\' nn Marcli jC). 1X13, his nati\e 
tnwii heing' Bethany, in (icnesee countw Xew ^l>rk. lie was the second son 
of Jesse d'orre\- and Sail}' Aniiis. 

T.\-dia, his wife, was also a nati\-e cd' Xew \'iirk. iy<<\u Shelhv. Orleans 
county, ller father's name was Christopher Le ^'alle\•. 

I'ncle Alnnzci and Aimt T.vdia were so well knmvn. hoth far atid near, 
duriiii^- their life time, and so closeh' connected with the history df the 
Torrev settlement atid adjacent settlements for so many years, and hein^' .almost 
insepara1)]e, some nf diu' references to one will ap])ly e<|ually to Imth. 

The\- had no family and consecpiently were free \.o come and go, and 
ha\int;- the means, disposition and leisure time, tliey devoted themselves for 
man\- \ears tn entertainino- and \-isitiiig their relatix'cs and trtends. and the 
homes were scarce wlieie their greeting (if "(iond ninrning"' and "(iond night" 
were nut familiar. 

The earlv vears (if Alnnzd were similar to tho.se of Asa, they heing asso- 
ciated together at mie time in the manufacture of threshing machines at 
Middleport. .\ew ^'(lrk. and. like him. he was a man of great .stren.gth and 
endm'ance. He was a persi m nf marked indixidualitw of ])ositi\'e con\-ictions 
and relied alnmst wlmllv u])iin his nwn judgment, lie had oiiiniiins and when 
necessarv exi)ressed them learlesslv. 



.340 BIOGRAPHICAL .IIISTORV 

He was a great worker, economical, prudent and an anti-slaver\' and 
strict temperance ad\-ocate. 

He was a local preacher in the Methodist church, a man of much earnest- 
ness, and was prominent in religious matters in his day. He was also a man 
of large acquaintance and influence, and highly respected by all wIkj knew 
him. 

Alouzo. on his ad\-ent into the Torrey settlement, also built a log house, 
but. unlike his brother Asa's, which had a single roof of shake, floor of bass- 
wood logs split lengthwise and pinned smooth with an adz in the hands of 
the workman, his "was quite pretentious in appearance. ha\'ing two roofs, 
one on either side, co\ered with shingles split from white ash. and cm its 
completion he repaired at once to Shelb}'. Xew York, and took unto himself 
a wife, with whom to ilwell therein. 

In \'e good davs of raking and binding after the grain cradler. Alonzo 
could and did. for the truth of which we ha\e ample ijroof, liind a Inindle of 
wheat, throw it upward into the air and bind another before the first liundle 
reached the ground. 

L^■dia Le Vallev was a handsome maid in \ Drk state, acquired a .good 
edtication in her ^•outb and in 1S3O married Alonzo Torrev and came directly 
to her caliin in Flint township. Genesee countw Michigan. 

She was a person having a \'ery cheerful disposition, amiable character, 
.gentle but convincing manner, sociable, well informed, a good con\ersational- 
ist, and the kindest and truest type of a friend and neighbor. 

Her reli.gious beliefs were sijmewhat Puritanic and thoroughh' orthodox. 
She was intenseh- earnest and active, gave good counsel and was l)elo\'ed b^" 
all who k-new her. 

Manv a latl and lass have gone from her door with a light step and lighter 
heart, carrying a little basket of red apples and the kind admonition to he good. 

The first old log schoolhouse in Torrey settlement was accidentally 
burned and .\unt L\(lia opened her house for three months and taught the 
scholars, and when the frame schoolhouse on the southwest corner of section 
twenty-four was built, she taught for four months longer. 

Many good things can be said of Alonzo and Lydia Torre\- and they 
might all be summed u\> in this: 

The workl \vas blessed and made better by their lives. 

Alonz(T passed to his reward on the T8th dav of October. i8f)J. and 



(;i-:\i-:si-:i': (■()L■^"■^^■. miciiicax. 241 

L\(Iia swept througli tlie gates in Iriunipliam lailh mt the iSth of jamiarv. 
[891, the (late of lier liirtli being Marcli 23. iSif). 



XlCllULAS Xl'.I.SOX I Ai.ncJT. 



Xichiilas Xclsiin 'rall>iit was Ixn'n nii the Island nt l"a\'a1. one of the 
Azore grnnp, norlhw est nf Africa. June 10, iSji. while his parents were 
en mnte {<< America from Ireland. His jxirents settled in Xew York .state, 
and there Xicholas was reared to manhood. Me came west to Genesee county 
in an early da\". and was married in l"dushing, January 14, 1X51. to Mary C. 
Iceland, who was Imrn in .Xewark. Tioga count}-. Xew ^'llrk. Januar\- 11. 
iS_^_'. I'acts relatix'e to the history nl her parents and ancestr\' will he found 
in the sketch (if ( harles I". Delaud. in the present work, .\fter cuniing tu 
Michigan Mr. Talh'it and wife settled in l-dushing township, where Mr. Talbot 
engaged in farming. He later engaged in the mercantile business in Flushing, 
but cin account of ill heallli was dbliged tu relin(|nish actixe business life se\'- 
eral x'ears liefore his death, which occurred at Flushing on Christmas clay, 
1893. One son, Charles, was born of this union. Mr. Talbot held the office 
of treasurer of blushing township fur 1 ine term, and was much interested in 
schiicil art airs also, doing consideralile active work fur the promotion of the 
educatiiinal interests of the cinnmunitw lie was a most excellent Chris- 
tian gentleman, and ;in acti\e wurker in the Baptist church. He will long be 
remembered fur his |)iet\- and ci inseci'ated serx'ice. 



16 




a.aip:s -M. torrkv 



James ]\IcAllister Torrey is a native of Mint tuwnship. Genesee county, 
Michigan, and owns and operates the old farm (in section twenty-five, wliere 
he was born July 5. 1849. He was a son of Asa and Orrissa (AMiite) Tor- 
rey. liis father being born in Bethany, Genesee countw Xew York. February 
19, 181 1, and his mother in I-"rankHn, A'ermont, Julv 26, i8jo. They were 
married at Betliany, Xew \'ork, April 21, 1833. and came to ^Michigan Oc- 
tober 19. 1835. when there were but two log shanties in the present citv of 
Flint. They endured the hardships and ])ri\'ations incident to pioneer life. 
li\ed twehe years in a log shanty, had a famih- of se\-en children. Two of 
th.em gave their lives to their ciiuntr\- in the war of the I\e1)ellion. Captain 
John Torre}', of the Sixth Michigan Cavalr}-, died in Cincinnati. Ohio, and 
his remains were liuried in the family lot at Flint. George died at Pittsbiu"g 
Fanding. Tennessee, and was buried in the National cemeter\- near there. A. 
Perr}-. the youngest son, is a railway postoffice clerk, running from Fos 
.\ngeles to El Paso. Texas, and resides in Fos Angeles, California. 

James had his early education and training on the farm, attended the 
district school in the old red sclioolhouse. later the hdint high school, taught 
fix'C years, held the office of town clerk and township superintendent of 



(ilCXESKE i\)l'X\\. AllC lllCAX. 243 

schools, then tmik up ihc suuly i>f law, enterino' the office of Long & Gold 
in Flint, Michigan, and was .ailiniited tu the (ienesee county har hefore Judge 
Josiah Turner May _'(). 1S71J. 1 le hung out his shingle at Millington, Tuscola 
county. .Michigan, and there ])r;icticed nearly three years; then engaged in the 
mercantile ;ind tiniher husiness at \\ ilnicjt. in the same Cdunly, fur one vear and 
then reniiixed tn Kingston village and resumed the practice of law for six 
years, holding the office of justice of tlie peace, township clerk and ])ostmaster. 

^fr. Tcirrey then returned to the old farm in the spring i)f 1891, in Flint 
township, and with his famil\- cared fur his aged parents. He remained at 
this place fur eight years, and then renin', ed tn the cit_\' of hlint in iScjcj. where 
he now resides. 

For eight years, heginning in 1893, he was mi the road as a solicitor for 
fraternal insurance for the Modern !\Iaccahees, Knights and Ladies of Security 
and l.ii\al (luard, wnrking in several states for the latter order. 

In 1901 he was elected justice of the peace, heing the first police justice 
of the city of l'"lini. ;ind re-elected in 1905. He is a member of the Court street 
^lethodist Episcopal church and of the official hoard, and has been superin- 
tendent of the Sunday school. 

Mr. Torre\' is secretar\- of the Genesee county road committee. He 
chose the members of the committee and drew the ma]) of the county as. also, 
of each of the townships, after the roads were named. These maps were ap- 
]iroved \)y the lioard of su])er\-isors and were filed in the county with each 
township clerk. 

]Mr. Torrex' married Miss Sarah A. Ba.xter, a school teacher of Davison, 
in 1874. whose parents, James Baxter and Thomison Elsom Turner, were 
born in England in 1819 and 1823, respectively, while ]\Irs. Torrev was born 
at Seneca Lake. Xew York, and to them was born one cliiM. Ina r.lanche, 
who married Mr. Jared C. King. 




SA.ML'EL 1. \\ILS(_)X. 



Tlie parents of Samuel J. Wilson were pioneers from Xew England, 
being descendants of the hard_\- forefathers in that rigid clime. His father. 
/ Nalium Xewton Wilson, was burn in Xew Hampshire Januar\- lo, 1805. 
He was brought up to manhood in the state of Vermont, and was married to 
Miss Phalle R. Slafter on St. I'atrick"s day. 1828. Miss Shifter was born in 
New \'ear's day, 1S06. In 1834 Mr. Wilson with his wife and two eldest 
children came from X'ermont to (ienesee county and for al)out one ^•ear lived 
in I'dint and operated a saw mill. He was also engaged in carpentry and as- 
sisted in building the first frame house in Flint. He then took a contract to 
clear forty acres of land at Pine Run, in dhetford township, for Judge Hotch- 
kiss, of Xew York. With the money thus earned he purchased eight\- acres 
of woodland in Thetfortl townshi]). which he cleared and operated success- 
fully. Mr. \\"ilson was one of the first supervisors of Thetford township and 
took an active interest in public affairs. The last years of his life were spent 
in retirement in bdint. where he died 'Sla.y 7, 1887. Mrs. Wilson had passed 
away on August 13, 1863. This union was blessed with eight children. They 
were Mercy E., Carlos P., ^^'illiam H., Farwell A., John X'., Persis A., Samuel 
J. and X'ahum T. Four of these are now deceased. 

Our subject. Samuel J., was Ijorn in Thetford townshi]) Septemljer 3, 
i84<). He was reared there and received such education as the schools of the 



(.Kxi'isi'.i-: c■()l•.\■•^^^ MK iiKi.w. 245 

times aiTcinlcd. lie rcniaiiicd at luiiiic until he was (if age, receiving that 
<liscii)line and training that makes so often fur the sturdv characters of 
matm-er da\s. 

After reaching his maju-ity he was engaged fur two years in saw milling 
and lumliering. lie then returned his attention to farming, and ]nn'chased 
a farm m hUrest tiiwusliqi, which wa>> at that tnne hut ])("irl\' imprnvcd. He 
cimtinueil u])iin this farm for some eight or nine years, and succeeded in 
bringing it to a satis I'actory state of ])roductiveness and improvement. He 
then sold the farm mid transferred his o])erations to Flint, becoming engaged 
with is brother, Xahum T., and otlicrs. in the manufacture of cal)inets, 
creameries and other dair\' .articles patented b\' hinrself and brother. 

Air. Wilson w;is married in 'I'lutford township September 19. i.Sfx), to 
Aliss l^dizabetb I'erry, daugt=ter of James .and ^fary (Greenway) TVrry. 
who was born in Siiucoe, Ontario. Januar\- 24, 1S31. There were four chil- 
dren born to this union, one of whom died in infancy. The three living are 
Virgil A., (lUv .M. and .\LabeI C. who is now the wife of Charles H. \'ickery. 
Mrs. Elizaljeth Wilson died on Xo\'ember 29, iSSi. and Air. Wilson was 
again married, this time to ]\[iss Harriet !'. Clark, the daughter of John 
D. .and T'jiima (Daniels) Clark, h.aving Ijeen born in Tuscola countw Michi- 
gan, Januarv 1 J, 18^13. Mr. John D. Clark was a soldier in the Civil war and 
clie<l in the arnn-. Airs. Clark died in Arbela township, Tuscola county. By 
this second uninn there were two children, Corwin D. and K. Marguerite. 

Air. Wilson li,-is for eight years held the office of alderman and ha.s 
faithfulh' .and efficiently represented the interests of his constituents. While in 
b'orest townshi]) he held the oftice of higliwa\" commissioner. He takes an 
active interest in all the affairs that pertain to the advancement of the city. 
He has been especially responsible for much of the change for the better in 
matters pertaining to ]3a\-ing the city's streets. He was instrumental in 
bringing about the cli.ange froiiV'the use ot the old woiulen block svstem to 
that of the modern pa\'iiig l/rick. and subse(|uent de\ elopnienls in this and 
other cities ha\c demonstrated the wisdom of the change. He is also the 
secretar}- aiifl treasurer of the Michigan Dairxnien's Association, which office 
he has held for the l.ast sixteen years. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, r>lue Lodge, Xo. 2^: W'.asbington Ch;i]iter, Xo. 13, and (ienesee 
A'allev Comm.andery, Knights Templars. Xo. 15. He is also a member of the 
c>rder of the l'".;istcrn St.ar. 



246 BIOCKAI'HILAL HISTORY 

JAMKS H. FAILLXC;. 

Mr. James H. Failing, retired blacksmith, living at 13 19 Detroit street, 
Flint, \\as born in Marshall, Calhoun county, Michigan, November 20, 1841. 
He was the son of Henrv and Elizabeth (Howe) Failing, bi>th fnim the 
]\Iohawk valley, Xew Yurk. Henry Failing followed the occupation of farm- 
ing, and after his marriage in Xew ^'ork he came to Alichigan in 1831. 
Upon his arrival at ^larshall there was but one house in the neighborhood. 
He took up a tract of government land and set to \vork to improve it and 
firing it under cultivation. Later he disposed of this farm and removed to 
Albion, Michigan, where he and his wife continued to live until their life's 
close. They were de\'out and industrious people, members of the Methodist 
church and acti\-e participants in affairs generally. Mr. Failing was a Re- 
publican, ha\'ing l)een a memljer of the W hig part}-, which pro\ed to he the 
forerunner of the Republican part)'. The family consisted of fovu" children, 
three of whom, Margaret, ^^'esley M., and Charles ^I., are deceased, while 
the fourth, our subject, still survi\'cs. 

James \vas brought up on the farm and cnntinued there until sixteen 
years of age, at which time the family renioxeil tn Albion. He was educated 
in the Albion sclnxils and remained at home mitil nineteen \'ears of age. 

At this time he enlisted in the Federal army, and no patriot rendered 
l.)etter or more willing ser\'ice in the cause of the flag than did he. He was 
out in the field for four years and six months. 

After the war he returned to Michigan and matle his wav to Flint, where 
he started up in the blacksmith business. This he followed for al)out one 
year, and then sold out his interest on account of ill health. Since that time he 
has acted as clerk and has given some other work his attention, also, but is 
now ])ractically retired. 

On August 30. 1872, he was married to Angeline Hullam. daughter of 
Robert and Marv Ann Dullam, both \-ery earl}' settlers of (ienesee county, 
]\[ichigan. They were prominent farmers and are now both deceased. Two 
children bles-sed the union of Mr. James H. Failing and wife, viz., Bessie S. 
and Xina E., the latter Ijecoming the wife of Earl B. Adams. 

Mr. and Mrs. I'ailing were acti\e \\'orkers in the church and Avere uni- 
versally loved and respected. 

Mr, Failing is a Republican and a Maccabee, also a member ni the Gov- 



GENESEE COLWrV. Al ICI i M ;A.\. 247 

ernor Crapu I'nst. Xo. 143, (Irand Army iif the Kepul>lrc. Xo part nf his life 
is of iii(ire interest than his exi)ei"iences while in the scmthern clime. 

lie enlisted in iSC)!. jninins^' Company 1). Twelfth Michitian Infantrx'. 
'I'his enlistment was made at Alhinn. .Micliis^an, I'ur a term nf tlnx-e years. 
His c.\])eriences in the field were ln'tli hazardnus and trying. 

( )n A]>ril '>. iXdj. he was taken ])ris(>ner at Shiluli and was n(jt e.Kchanged 
until l''el)ruar\' j(). 1SC13. On March Sth, the same year, he was made ser- 
geant and I in Decemher 21. if^f>,v lie re-enlisted and was mustered in at TJttle 
l\iick, Arkansas. In A])ril. iSf)4, he was made first sergeant, lie was dis- 
charged on Januar}' ~. iSfi^. to acce])t the commission of second lieutenant. 
Some of the hattles of note in which he participated were Shiloh. I'ittshurg 
Landing and Little Kock. He was often engaged iti exciting and dangerous 
skirmishes, and can entertain one for Imurs rehearsing his experiences in the 
guerrilla warfare in .Vrkansi's. He was mustered out at Camden, .\rkansas, 
Fehruar\- 1 ^. i8ri6. 



^: 



^ 



#^^ 




TALMON C. OWEN. 

TaliiKin C. Owen, retired farmer and soldier, lixint;' in the village of Gen- 
e.see. was born at Almont. I.apeer county. Michigan. June 30, 1841. His 
parents \\ere Amos W. and Lnuise (Shaw) Hewitt, both natives of the 
"( h"een Abmntain state." He was adopted l)y his uncle. William E. Owen. 
and has since Ijorne the name of (3 wen. His boyhood days were spent in the 
\\hi)lesome surroundings of life im the farm. ba\ing been brought up in Al- 
mont township, Lapeer county. ]\lichigan. His education was obtained at the 
tlistrict schools in the \'icinitv. and at a neighboring academy. Talmon was 
one of a familv of eight children, his brDthers and sister, in rirder rif l)irth. lie- 
ing as follows: Dwight. nf Michigan: Cornelia. Clarissa. Horace. Calvin. 
Henrietta and ]\Iary. 

In January. ]862. Talmon enlisted in Comi)an_\- \' nf the Tenth ^lichigan 
A'nlunteer Infantry. He was mustered out in the same uKinth. but re-enlisted 
in the same regiment and ci)mpan\'. He then went out inti) active serx'ice and 
cheerfullv faced the dangers, privations and exposures incident to the life of 
those that went into the firing line. 

His experiences were such as were common to the soldier's l(^t. and an 
enunneration of a few of the engagements in which he took ])art will enable 
our readers to form an estimate of what it meant to defend our flag. He 



CiEXESlJ:: LOLX TV, AllLlilGAX. 249 

panicipati'd in tlic cmillicls at l'';innin,<;tnn. C'nrinili, Laverj^'o. Amiiicli, Mis- 
sicinarv l\i(lge, Cliickamauga, Rinjj;g()Id. Buzzard's Ri<lj;e. Ucsaca. Ivnnic. Dal- 
las. Kcnesaw, Cliickamaus'a, and Chattahoochee. .\t the latter ])lace 
-Mr. Owen received a serious wound. Although he went hack to the held 
after recovering, the contest soon closed. He was mustered out at l,ouisville, 
KeiUucky. on July m). 1X^13, ami returned IidUie tn a well earned rest. 

On Jannar\- ,:;. iSfij. he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet V. 
Boles, who was horn in Lapeer county, Michigan, in 1846. She was the 
daughter of William and Sarah ( Deneen ) lioles. hoth natives of the state of 
Ohio, hut early settlers in Lapeer cnuntw riie\' were farmers, also, and de- 
\dted their lives tn the tillage of the soil. Their f.amily consisted of the fol- 
lowing ten children: Xixon, .\rminta. .Melissa. I'lKche. C'yrus, Wallace, Osmer. 
Harriet, .\lfred and Lemuel. In this large and rohust family the genial 
spirit of fellowship and hel])fu]ness was ever present, and Mr. and ]\[rs. Owen 
have in a measure reprnduced the atmiis])here of the old home in their own 
family hreside. around wliich thev gathered the following famiK' of eight: 
Jennie, deceased: Xettie, now the wife of Henry Hookwith : Perry, now li\'- 
ing in Idaho; De Loss; Harry, deceased: Roy. now a soldier in Alaska; .\lton 
and \'inla. Vnv a few }-ears the_\- li\ed in the town df l-dint, later removing to 
their larm in ( ienesee townshi]). h"or the last ten \-ears the\' have occu|)ied 
their home in the x'illage of Cieuesee. 

I he Owen home has heen a place of welcome to man\' friends. ;md tlie 
kindly greeting is never wanting to the many friends who are privileged to 
call at the homestead. Mrs. Owen has lieen especially helpful in doing acti\e 
w I irk in the .Methodist cluu'ch. 



lolIX CILVRLES C. STET'HEXS. 



In the person of Juhn t'h.irles C. Stephens we have another pioneer resi- 
dent ot Genesee cnuiU}. lie was hiirn in (iro\'eland townshi]), Ij'vingston 
count}'. Xew N ork. March <). iS_''>, an<l was the son of .Mhert T. and Siana 
(i^aper) Stej'jhens. His father was a native of Connecticut and his mother 
was Imrn in l'enns\lv;mia. She was of (ierman and Scotch-Irish extraction. 



250 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

and slie and lier husband were lield in liigh esteem liy neighbors and friends 
as good Christian people. The_\- \\ ere memljers of the Congregational church. 
Mr. Stephens was a Whig and later became a Republican. They were the 
parents of five children, of whom, John was the first, and is the only sur\"i\"ing 
child. The deceased are Edwin. Harrison. \\ ellingtcn and Cornelia. The 
circumstances attentling the Ijirth of John were indeed precarious. Idie par- 
ents were lixing in a log cabin in the l)ottoms of the Genesee river, in Xew 
York state. .\ severe freshet came on and it seemed as though the cabin 
would be swept awa)-. the water ha\'ing risen sc) suddenl}- that no escape 
was possible. A part of the cabin was used in making a raft and nn this nift 
lolm was b(irn while floating down the stream. A circumstance more dis- 
tressing than this can hardl}" ])e imagined: yet, through it all. matters seemed 
to shape themselves favorably, and the whole incident has become a matter for 
famil}' reminiscence. 

In 1834 the famil}- came to Michigan, it being still a territory. The}' 
settled in Genesee township. Tienesee count}-, and took up a tract of go\-ern- 
ment land, making their home froni tiniber on the land. In n-iaking the trip 
thev dro\-e to Buffalo, Xew ^'ork, and then took boat to Detroit, and frrim 
there dro\-e b}- wagon to ( lenesee county. At that time Flint was a town 
made up of three cabins. 

John has spent almost his entire life in the count}-, the exceptions being- 
time spent in the army and about one year while li\ing at Saginaw and Bay 
Citv. In earl}- life he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and followed that 
extensi\elv, but ga\-e some attention to farming also. He now owns and lives 
upon a neat little farm of tw-ent\- acres in section si.xteen of Genesee tow-nship. 

In February, 1865, he enli.sted in Company II of the Tw-enty-third Michi- 
gan Infantry and continued in the ser\-ice until the close of the war. 

]Mr. Stephens is an ardent Republican, but would ne\er consent to hold 
liublic office. He is a loval meniber of the Masonic fraternitv. and is also a 
member of the h'red Walker Vost. Xo. 134. Grand Arm}- of the Republic. 
He has served four tern-is as commander and has been officer of the day for 
fourteen terms. He has one of the most interesting and instructive collec- 
tions of Indian relics to lie seen in this section of the state. This iiicludes 
shells, samples of Indian wurkn-ianship, and some good specimens of petrified 
objects. 




GEORGE E. LO\'E. 



The suljject "i this sketch. ( leoroe E. L(i\"e. was Ijurn in Chnton county, 
]Michigan. Ma_\- 31, 1JS59. His father. John I.i.)\e. was of Scotch descent 
and was a nati\'e of Xew \nrk state. His mother. Mary (Gay) Love, was 
of English ancestry. They came from Xew York and settled in Clinton 
county, and there became engaged in farming. Mr. Love ended his days on 
the farm, reaching- the age of sixty-five years. His death occurred in Decem- 
ber of 1884. Mrs. L(n-e afterward remo\ed tn blushing, where she died De- 
cember 31, 1904, at the age of seventy- fnur years. Air. and Mrs. Love were 
highly res])ected people, well known in their community as pious and indus- 
trious neighbors. Their family of children was (|uite large, George being the 
sixth child. He was reared on the farm, thus getting his first experiences in 
life friim contact with the hard\' pmblcnis set In' mother natiu'e. .Vs a bi.iy he 
was acti\e and energetic, receixing such education as was allorded b\' the 
rural schools of the times. Possessed of an ambition to assist in maintaining 
the affairs of the paternal iiome, and at the same lime desirous of working 
on bis own res])onsibilit\-. lie became engaged in \arious occupations away 
from home, beginning al the age of seventeen, and continuing until about 
tweut}--six. His attention was turned toward buying and shipping stock, and 
in ])rosecuting this occupation he obtained a reputation for bonor.able methods 



-.1- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 



(if dealing witli his patnms, as well as making a reciinl for liimself as a man 
(if keen business insight. T'Olldwing this he Ijecame interested in lumljering. 
transacting this Inisiness in Mecosta count\", ^Michigan. This occupied him for 
man}- years, and in this work, as in pre\-ious occujiations. he cHstinguished 
himself with the same fortitude and success. In u)oo he transferred his ac- 
ti\ities to h'lushing and re-engaged here in the lumljer business also. Since 
his arrival in hdushing he has achie\-ed not onl\- success in business, but has 
obtained the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen as well. He has 
been chosen as a member of the city council and is liioked upon as a conserva- 
tive and reliable exponent of the people's interests. 

He was married in dratiot county, Michigan, on December Jg, 1885, 
to ]\liss Ida B. Currence, who was l)orn and reared in that countv. .She was 
a young Iruh' of estimable standing in the communitv and has proved to lie an 
able and wortlu' hel])meet to her husband. Their union has resulted in the 
birth of three children, one (jf whom, Edith M.. was called home to the 
Shepherd's fold \\hen nine \'ears of age. The twci survi\ing children are 
Earl D. and Florence E. Earl D. was Ijorn October 8, 1886: Edith M., 
born Julv 12, i88(). and died Deceml)er (), i8()7; bdorence E. was Ijorn Eeljru- 
ary 13, 1897. 

^Iv. Love is an esteemed memlicr of the Masonic fraternit^■ and is kx.iked 
upon as a ^■aluable factor in maintaining and disseminating the principles of 
that venerable order. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of 
America. 




EDWIN O. \VOOD. 



The tiilldwim;' sketch is a plain account nf the acti\e and energetic lite 
of one (if the hest-knuw n native sons of Genesee county: 

I'-(l\vin (). \\ 11(1(1 was hdrn at ( ioodrich. ( lenesee countw Michig'an. 
October 29, 1861, where his ]>arents. Thunias 1'. and I'aulina M. Wddd. li\cd 
for nearly sixty years. 

At tweUe _\'ears nf a,ne the suljject (if this sketch began clerking in a 
general store at ("idndrich. and, save for some time spent at the Saginaw citv 
high school, he Cdutinued in mercantile ])in"suits f(ir (|uite a number n{ vears. 
finally going- on the road as a commercial traveler fdr the wholesale grocery 
house of W. J. Gotild & Co.. T^etroit, Mich., where he remained five years, 
leaving to accept a positidu as Michig^an representati\-e for Hackett. Carhart 
& Co., wiiolesale ckithiers df New ^ Ork. I'revidus tn his engagement with 
\\ . j. ' iduld (!v C'd. lie was ajipdintcd railway mail clerk at the re(|uest of 
Congressman b'dwin 1!. W inans, who afterward became gdNernor df Mich- 
igan. Mr. Wddd resigned fnim the mail service immediatcK-, ])refei"ring a 
commercial tn a jxilitical (ir gd\-ernment positidU. 

The friendsbij) between ( inNcrndr \\ man-- and Mr. Wddd was cimtinued 
up td the time df the death of the fdrmcr. When ( id\erndr W inans was 
elected he tendered td Mr. Wddd the ;ip])dintment df Cdmmissidner df insm- 



254 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

ance for ]\Iicliigan. l)ut as the pusition lield Ijy ]\Ir. Wood with Hackett. 
Carhart & Co. netted over $4,000 per year, wliich was considerably more than 
the otlier, the proffered appointment w-as decHned. 

In 1892 Mr. ^^'ood was cliairman of the ( lenesee DenKicratic county cum- 
mittee, and npi in the inaui^uration of President Clevehuid, in March, iSq^. he 
was appointed a special agent ()f the Cnited States treasury department. He 
was assigned to the states of Alichigan, Ohio and Indiana, with headquarters 
at Detroit, but was for o\-er four years engag'ed much of the time in special 
work, taking him (:l^■er \'arious portions of the United States and Canada. He 
was cliosen \)y President Cle\'eland and secretary <if the treasury. John G. 
Carlisle, to in\estigate the conditions of the customs service on the Pacific 
coast and in the northwest. 

In May, 1893, before he had been in the ser\-ice three nmnths, he seized 
tlie merchant steamship, "Haytien Republic," on Puget sound for the illegal 
imprirtatii >n (smuggling) of opium and Chinese laborers, 'llie ^•essel was 
confiscated and sold by the government after the case had been appealed to 
the United States circuit court of appeals and finally to the I'nited States su- 
preme court, the judgment being affirmed by both courts. 

^fr. \\'ood rerjuested the calling of a special L'nited States grand jury at 
Portland. Oregon, in June, 1893. ''"'l when it had completed its work in 
July o\-er thirty indictments had been handed down upon evidence presented 
to it as the result of Mr. A\'ond's investigation. At the subsequent trials it 
was ])r(jved that o\er fifteen hundred Chinese laborers had been admitted into 
Portland illegallv, and that the government had been defrauded out of over 
$340,000 in customs duties upon opium smuggled during a period of seven 
months preceding ]Mr. Wood's assignment to the case. Also that the col- 
lector of customs had received fifty dollars per head for admitting Chinamen, 
or a total of nvev $75,000 in less than one year, and also that the local special 
agent of the treasury- had received a regular salary of $1,200 per nn inth 
from the smugglers' comljine in addition to his salary as a L'nited States 
go\'ernment ofticial. and that nther customs officials and merchants were 
connected with the cons])iracy which existed to defraud the United States gov- 
ernment revenues. 

At the trials in the l'nited States district court the collector oi custcms. 
James Lotan : the si^ecial treasur}- agent fur Oregon. C. J. Mulkey : the dwners 
of the steamship line. ^Messrs. Dnnliar & Pilnm : the super-cargo nf the "Hav- 



(ii':.\"i-:si':i-: coi'xtn'. aik iik.ax. 



OD 



tien Republic." and man}- (ithers were convicted and sentenced. Mr. I)unl)ar. 
one 111' the steamsliip owncr.-^. after con\'iction, escaped to Cliina. 

President Cleveland anci tlie treasury officials e.xtended to Mi". Wood 
the thanks <<[ the .<;"i i\ ernnieiit tHr his wurk in these cases. 

I'c illi i\\ ins^' the wiirk nil the i'acihc coast nrm\' ini])iirtant in\estig'atinns 
were assigned tn .Mr. \\ ihk], nntahK- an examination of the port of U(jston, a 
task which took three niduths. and mie nf the results was the l)ringin<i' ti> light 
I if the fad that the gnxernnient had heen defrauded dUt nf about thirt\- thou- 
sand dollars in a pri\;ite bonded warehouse where bmded glass was stored. 
This nioney was rccii\ered and i)aid into the treasury department, .\nother 
case Ijrought to light by Mr. \\ o. d was a defalcation of four thousand (billars 
in the cashier's ot'fice of the L)etr<iit custom In use. 

In July, 1897, "Wv. Wood resigned his position, although assured b\' the 
treasury' oflicials. of the then Rcpnl)lican administration, that because of his 
record, as well as the fact that the office was embraced in the ci\'il ser\'ice, he 
would lie retained permanently. 

In 1895 ^Ir. ^\'ood originated and founded the Knights of the Loyal 
(iuard. a fraternal benericiar\' societ\', the name of which has since been 
changed to Loyal (luard. fie was its first secretary, and two years later 
was chosen as president, which position he has held continuously since, or a 
period of eleven years at the writing of this sketch. 

In i<)02-3 he was president of the Xational braternal Press .\ssociation. 
and in i()03-4 was president of the Xational braternal Congress, which is 
maile up of the leading fraternal societies of the L'nited States and Canada, 
and represents an individual memliershi]) of about fi\e million persons. 

In TO04 ^fr. ^\'ood was chosen chairman of the Democratic state central 
committee for Michigan, and conducted a memorable cam])aign, whereb\- the 
o]i])iisitig candidate for ( io\ernor recei\'ed one hundred and lift}' thousand 
fewer \-otes than were cast for I 'resident Roosevelt in Michigan at the same 
election. 

In 1905 the city of bdint celebrated the fiftieth aiini\ersary of its in- 
corporation as a municipality. The Hon. C. H. W'isner, circuit judge, was 
chosen chairman of the general committee and .Mr. Wood was elected chair- 
man of the execuli\e committee, his associates on this committee being j. 1). 
Dort. J. II. Crawford. Rev. C. .\. Lip])incott. W. 11. I'.dw.ards. with 1. j. .\1- 
len, secretarw and C. T. Bridgeman. treasurer. The "( iolden lubilee" was a 



236 BIOCRAI'llICAL lllSroRV 

notable event, nut nnl}- in the liistury !.{ i*"lint, Imt nf Aliclii.t;'an. 'Die \'ice- 
President nf the L'nited States, a Justice <if the Supreme (_Hurt nf the L'nited 
States, all of the judges of the supreme court nf Miclrigan. the go\ernnr, state 
ofificers, congressmen, F^"esident ,\ngell nf the L'ni\ersitv of Michigan, Bisliop 
I'^iley, of Detroit, and many other noted personages were present. 

Air. \\'( M )d has been connected with various matters pertaining to the pulilic 
life of the city, county and state where he resides. He has been president of 
the (/ienessee County Pioneer and Historical Association, a trustee nf the (llen- 
wn(.)d Cemetery Assnciatinn. and upon the organizatinn nf the h'lint lm])ro\e- 
nient League in 1905 Mr. W nod was chosen a member of the executive com- 
mittee, which position he holds at the time nf this writing. 

He is a member of the board of trustees of the Masonic Temple Asso- 
ciation of Mint, and was one of the soliciting committee of h\e who raised 
$47,000 within a [jeriocl of two weeks toward the erection of a new Masonic 
temple. 

He is at present the editor of the "Loyal Cuard Magazme" and has 
been for the past twelve vears. and is a member of the Michigan Press Asso- 
ciation. He is also a memlier of the Sons of the American lve\ olntion : mem- 
ber of (jenesee Lodge, Xo. 174. j-'ree and .Vccejjted Masons: Washington 
Chapter, Xo. 15, Royal .Vrch Masons; Cenesee \'alle\' Comnianderv. Xo. 
15, Knights demplar ; Alichigan Sovereign Consistory, Scottish Rite ^Masons : 
Moslem Temple, X'obles of the ^Mystic Shrine: also a member of the Elks, 
Odd Fellows. Ben-Hur, Rn\al .\rcannm. Modern Woodmen, W Hodmen of the 
\\'(jrld. Supreme Tent of the Maccabees. .Modern ^Maccabees, Independent 
Order of Foresters, Protected Home Circle, Knights and Ladies of Security. 
Knights of the Crip and United Commercial Traxelers. 

In 1907 he was appointed by the branch of the United Commercial 
Travelers located at bdint to represent that body at a hearing gi\-en by the 
Michigan legislature upon the bill to reduce ])assenger fares to two cents 
per mile, and was present at the hearing and took an active part in bringing 
tn a successful termination the contest of the Commercial Travelers ot 
Michigan for lower fares. He also was present at the hearing and tciok part 
at the time the bill tn create a railroad commission for Michigan was before 
the legislature, which l)ill was suljsequently enacted into law. 

He served three years in the Michigan state troops. Company A. Third 
Regiment (Flint Union Blues), and was honorably discharged July 8. 1885. 



GEXESP:E COL"^■■|■^•. MICllKiAX. 2-:,7 

Mr. Wiiixl has Irmii liiiic tn time been mu' nf Uk' lieaviesi purchasers 
of real estate, in it diily intlie cit\- dl" I'lint. hut iu the couutv, having owned 
sexeral I'arnis. ami l)ciu,t;" at \ariiius times a uieniher of tlie American Oxford 
Down Sheep Kecord Associatitju and American Red I'ulled Cattle Club; also 
was one of the iiicurpdratnrs of the American Tamwurth Swine Record 
Associatiim, and was one df the hrst importers of the Tamworth breed into 
the rmted States. 

Mr. W'lHid has ^e\eral times been honored with positions l)\- the city 
government. He was appointed by the ma\(ir to attend the national confer- 
ence upon the coal question, held in the city of Detroit, and was a member of 
the committee api)oiiited bv the common council to visit Washington and 
present to congre>s the claims of the cit}- cjf I'"lint for a new postofhce build- 
ing, which mission was successful: the other members of the committee being 
Hon. John J. Carton. Hon. Ceorge E. 'ra\lor and W. C. Durant. 

In H)03 he was appointed bv the mavor of the cit^■ a member of the 
police commission, which position lie held iluriiig part of the terms as nia\'or 
of Hon. linice j. Macdonald and Hon. 1). 1). Aitken. resigning after serv- 
ing one year, during which time the gambling houses of the cit}' of {•"lint were 
closed and the practice of permitting women and girls to \'isit saloons was 
stoi)pe(l. 

.Mr. Wood was acti\e in procuring a new public hbrar\- building for the 
city, and in connection with Mr. j. I). I )ort called a meeting on the 4th of 
July to bring about the abandonment of the original plans and the taking u]) of 
the matter of [)rocuring additional fuiuls, so that a larger and better building 
might be jjroxided, which was accomplished. 

Mr. W Odd. by iiu'itation. has delivered a number of addresses in different 
parts of the couiitrx', among them being an address at the dedication of the 
tem])le of fr.aternity on the world's fair grounds, Louisiana Purchase Exposi- 
tion, in 1904: subse(|uentl}' an address at Toronto before the Canadian I'ra- 
ternal Association, and at \arious other places. 

He was jiresideiit of the National l-"raternal Congress at the time that 
the ( )liio law go\erning fraternal societies was enacted b\- the leg"i.salture of 
the state, and attended the conference and hearing before the joint committees 
of the house and senate. 

He was one of the incorporators of the Man-ta-wau-ka l\esort -\ssociation. 
which platted several hundred lots on the east shore of Long lake. Genesee 



■^:)<- 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 



count}'. He also replatted an addition in the sixth ward of tlie citv of Flin.t. 
known as the E. O. \\ (^od plat, and erected fortv-two houses thereon. In 
1907. together witli e.\-Congressman Aitken. he purchased the farm (if 
two hundred and ten acres, known as the Judge Sumner Howard farm, ad- 
joining the citv of Flint on the south. TIicn' had the same made a part of the 
city of Flint hy the legislature of 1907, and in connection with e.\-^Ia}-or 
\A'. .\. Paterson and Flint P. Smith, platted four hundred lots thereon, lying 
on jjoth sides of the Detroit United Interurban Railway and on the hanks of 
Thread lake. 

'Sir. Wood took an active part with other citizens, and especialK' with the 
officers and committees of the Flint Improvement League, in urging that the 
uew fire station should he located separate and apart from the new cit}- hall. 
^vhich concerted action on the jiart of the press and the I'lint Ini])ro\-einent 
Feague brought alji.iut the result desired. 

I\fr. Wood was earnest in the campaign for the new cit^■ hall, and has 
at all times been an acti\'e particii)ant in e\'erv mo\-ement which has come u]) for 
the luiilding of new schoolhouses and public l)uildings in the city or count}'. 

He was one of four men, of whom ex-Mayors Davison and W. A. Pater- 
son. and I'dint P. Smith were his associates, to purchase etlie site where the new- 
Hotel Dresden stands, and was acti\'e in raising the preliminary funds neces- 
sary to give the project a start and bring it to a successful outcome. 

He has attentled state and national Democratic conventions for years, 
t.ieing ])resent at l:)oth conventiinis which nominated \\ illiam Jennings Bryan, 
and. although holding a federal jiosition under President Cleveland and Sec- 
retarx' Carlisle, who were not in sympath}' with the platform in iSij^), he 
openh', actixelv and lovalh' supjjorted ^Ir. Bryan, accompanying him a part 
of the wav on his special train through Michigan. 

(^n the floor of the state convention at Detroit he made the sjjeech which 
l.irought aliiiut the nomination of Judge (ieorge H. Durand for governor, and 
was one of the principal Hoor laeders in the state con\-ention at Crand Rapids 
in 1904. opposing' the candidacx- of J. S. Sterns, a Republican, who aspired to 
the Democratic nomination for go\'ernor, and materially aiding in the defeat of 
Stearns and the nomination of \\'oodbridge X. Ferris. In 1906 he was ap- 
])oin.ted a memljer of the Jame.^ AkAIillan ^leniorial Association. 

.\t the time of the [jreparing of this sketch Mr, Wood, at fortA'-six years 
of age, is one of the best-known men in public life of the state of Alichigan. 



GEXRSF.R COrX'r>'. MU'llKiAX. 259 

He married Miss I'".niily C'nicker. daughter nf Steplien and I'rudence 
Crocker, of Mint, and fdur cliildrcii l)lessed this union. The oldest son, 
D\vi,^"ht Hulbert W'nud.'a manly and Imaljle hdv. was killed on August 12, 
i<;o3. having heen run uxer h\' a Inx' dc])artment team. The surviving chil- 
dren are Albert Crocker Wood. Leland Stanford Wdml and Mary B. \Vood. 
Airs. Wood's family aiid herself have always been workers in St. Paul's 
Episcopal church, and Mr. Crocker, her father, was one of those who made it 
possible to erect the church and maintain it in the earlier years. 

.Mr. Wood and his famiK' spend their summers on Alackinac Island, 
where they are intluenti.al and active in the life of the island during the 
summer season, and especial]}- earnest in supporting the efforts of the State 
Park Commission in retaining the original beautv of the park and stu'round- 
ings. Their hdme in h'lint on Stevens street CDutains a carefully selected 
library of o\er three tlmusand xnlnmes. As a whole Air. ^\'ood is a loval, 
dependable, ])ul)lic-s])irited citizen, pdsitixe in his ci nnictions and true to 
his friends. 






1^ 




-^^ ^^ ^^.M-^-^ 



262 BIOGRAl^HICAL HISTORY ' 

HOX. LE\T WALKER. 

Hon. Le\i Walker was burn in (iranville, \\ asliingtcm county, New York, 
December 28, 1803. His parents were Ji>siah Walker and Jemima Tanner, his 
wife. So near was his Ijirthplace to the border line of \'ermnnt that he often 
playfully said he was parti}- a (ireen Mountain buy. 

While he was Init a child his parents removed to Summer Hill, Cayuga 
county, Xew York. He was partly educated at Homer .Vcademy and finished 
his couse at Fairfield Institute in Herkimer county. 

Having completed his literary studies he began reading law with Judge 
Reid at Homer. He also read with William J. Bacon, of Utica, New* York.- 
In early boyhood he exhibited the thirst for knowledge which characterized 
him through life. For many }ears it was his custom always to have a book 
with him when riding or walking, from which he was memorizing. 

He began the practice of law in (ienoa, Xew York, in 1835. He subse- 
quently removed to Auburn, Xew York, and entered into a law partnership 
with Hon. George H. Rathbone, then a memlier of the L'nited States con- 
gress. He was associated with Hon. AA'iUiam H. Seward as counsel in the 
memorable defense of the insane negro murderer. Freeman, to which Charles 
Francis Adams made eloquent reference in the Seward memorial services. 

Mr. \\'alker was, while yet a }-oung man, the editor of a paper at Brock- 
port, Xew Y(.irk, where he wielded a trenchant pen in the interest of what was 
then called the "Xational Republican party." It was the first anti-slavery 
paper published in Xew ^'ork. 

In 1837 Mr. Walker married ]\Iiss Louise Bigelow Meech, daughter of 
Cyperian Meech and Polly Hanchett. his wife. ^Mrs. Walker was a niece of 
General Jonathan Woodbridge. Her grandfather was a lieutenant in the 
French and Indian war. He also kept the tavern in Worthington, IMassa- 
chusetts, where General Burgoyne was brought while being taken as a prisoner 
to Boston. 

In 1847 Mr. Walker removed to Flint, where, ten years before, his 
brothers, Stiles, James B. and Henry C, had preceded him, and where he 
resided until the time of his death. He early became actively identified with 
all business, educational and social interests of the growing towai. 

For twenty consecuti\e years next preceding his death he had been a 
member of the school boartl of 1-dint. In this capacit}' his sound judgment, 
his practical sense and his far-seeing wisdom were conspicuous. He looked 



GKN'F.SEE COl'XTV. AnCTTICAX. 263 

u])nn educatii 111 for llic masses as the Imlwark uf dur pulitical and sneial insti- 
tutions, and the s])Ieiichd school system nf l-liiit. with its resuhim.;' excellent 
schools, is. in an important sense, the work of his jiecntiai" ,t;'enins. 

He was a mcmher of the I'reshyterian church and for years served as 
elder and trustee. Thoroui^hness. exactitess and clearness of perception were 
his disting'uishinij traits. .\s a law_\'er he stood in man}" res])e:ts at the hc:id 
of his profession. A sensitive conscience and a his^h sense of personal lioinn" 
kept him free from that peculiar weakness that sometimes appertains to 
practitioners. .\n opinion hv .\lr. Walker was considered almost conclusive 
on any law point. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years, 
and in that capacitv was conspicuous tor his clearness :\va\ justice. 1 le drafted 
the first charter of the city of I'dint. as well as the charter in force at the 
time of his decease, and was the author of the articles of association of the 
Genesee Count)' .\sjricultiu-al Societ} . of the I'dint Driving Park Association, 
the (ilenwood Cemetery Association and the constitution of the I'dint City (ias 
I.i.ijht Coni]);iny. 

Indeed, there is scarcely anythiuL;' in the recorded history of the city 
which does not hear the im])ress of his well disciplined mind. 

Mr. W alker and Artemus Thayer were the leadini^' spirits in e>tablish- 
inti' (.lenwood cemetery as a heautiful Ijurial place. In iSjj he was elected to 
the state le.i;'islature. where his force of character and superioritx' were soon 
manifest. .\s ch;nrnian of the im[)ortant committee of state affairs he seems to 
iia\e given his jiersonal attention to ever\- sul)ject that came before it. He 
iiftluded in committee rei^orts a statement of the hill reported on and the 
reason for the ilisposition made of it liy the committee. In many cases this 
entailed considerahle lab ir, yet in almost, if not (|uite ever\' instance, it was per- 
formed b\' Mr. Walker himself, in whose handwriting the re])ort appeareil. 
lA\'o of the most fre(|neiit a])plications made to a legislature are for the 
changing of names and tor the ap])r(.priation of non-resident highw.av taxes 
for tlie construction of state roads. I'ritling as these seem to be, thev con- 
sumed considerable time, and upon these subjects, among others, Mr. Walker 
submitted elaborate re])orts. which are likel\- to settle, or. at least, guide 
legislative action ni)on them for the future. He came to be regarded as. with 
few if any exceptions, the soundest thinker in the house, and was considered 
the foremost leader of that bodw His views n])oii anv subject were care- 
fully and eagerly listened to. 

There is im doubt that his death was the result of the excessive lab(.ir 



264 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

which he imposed upon liimself in his tamest interest for the welfare <if the 
state. He died at Lansing .\|)ril _'!>. 1S73, retaining- al^solute relial:)ihtv of 
mind to his. last moment. His last act was to atii.x his signature to his will, 
dictated hut a few minute^ hefore his dissolution. Death came unexi)ectedlv, 
I)Ut found his soul rea<l}- to test the future life in which he had implicit faith, 
(iox-enior Charles H. Cromwell, the si.)eaker of the house that year, 
said: "It is no exaggeration to sa_\- that in the death of ^Ir. Walker this 
house has lost one of its hest and ahlest meml)ers. He was remarkahle for 
those peculiar powers r.ecessar_\- for a thorough and iust analysis of all (|ues- 
tions suhmitted to him for consideration. Shrinking from no labor, with 
watchful attention to e\ery detail, he was never satisfied until he had thor- 
oughly mastered his subject. Then, with clearness of argument and ajitness 
of illustration he presented his \-iews. almost inwariabh- to recei\e the sanc- 
tion and ap])ro\-al of his asso'ciates." 

i\Ir. Walker was survi\'ed twent\-two \ears b\- his wife, who died in 
1S95, aged eighty-four years. She was a woman r,i remarkalde intellectual 
power and achie\ement, and retained her brillianc\- of nur.d until life's close. 
She was \er_\- ])atriotic and jierformed most efficient ser\ice in the Soldiers" 
.Aid Societies. Her heart and soul were in the work of sending supplies to the 
soldiers. The da}' follo\ving the first disaster at P.ull Run she called the first 
meeting" of ladies at her house to scrape lint and make bandages to send tij 
the battle line;. Her interest and labor ne\er failed while there was a soldier 
to care for. 

Her family was an interesting group. One daug'hter. Flora Louise, 
died when a small girl. Her son. George Meech. die! in 1905. He had 
succeeded his father as justice of the peace, which oftice he held consecu- 
tivel}' for more than twenty-fi\e }'ears. h'ew of his decisions wer'e reversed 
in higher courts. The daughter, Helen Victoria, remains at the old homestead. 
In the literar}- .and intellectual life of Mint she has had much influence. She 
is the onl_\' sm"\i\ing president of the Ladies' Librarx' .Vssociation. being the 
only young huh" who was honored with that position. She has been closeh- 
identified with the C'olumliian Club: was its first president, holding the place 
for se\'eral years. Her church and Sundax' school wurk has Ijeen of wide 
range and deep effectiveness. 

So passeth one g'eneration and another Cometh that the fullness may 
remain. 




TIIO.MAS r. WOOD. 



Alichitjaii liad imt attained the dignity of statehood when Thcjmas F'af- 
nicrlee W'o^ul ha<le fai-ewell to his friends in Xew York and bra\-ely under- 
took the jiim'nev inln the territurx- that was then consideretl the wilds of 
tlie far west. There are few men hxing in the cnunty of ( lenesee today who 
lia\'e witnessed so nian\' nf the changes that ha\e niarl<ed its develnpnicnt 
from a region nf primitive forest inln the prosperons and 1)eantitiil coun- 
try that it is at the ])resent. and it ma_\- lie added that few men have 
been mure active in bringing about this wnnderlul change. 

Thomas I'armerlee \\'i"i<l was born in West .\\'iin, i.ivingston count)-. 
Xew ^'ork. June 5. 182J. His grandfather. William Wiiod, Jr., liorn at 
Westboro. Massachusetts, and his great-grandfather. William Wooil. Sr.. of 
I'omfort. Connecticut, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. and jiartici- 
p;ite<l in the Ixtttles of J.exington and lUinker I lill. W illi.am Wdod. Jr.. was 
with Washington ;it \'alley i'orge and llrandywine. and until the close of 
the w;ir. 

.\t the age of ten years, in i!^,i-', .Mr. Wood ih"st came to Michigan. The 
prnl}' left East .\\iin on the lirst da\- of ( )ctobcr. in an emigrant wagon, e.x- 
pecting to take the steamer. "I'aul Jones." at Cleveland. In this, however, 
they were disap])ointed. and the i)arl\- remained with the "iir.airie schooner." 



266 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

arriving in Detmit tweKe hrmrs aliead uf the l^oat. which had heen (lela\'etl by 
head winds. 

They readied Whig-xiUe nn the hrst day uf Xovember, 1S32, and f( air.d 
but four famihes in that section of the country, they l^eing Clark Dibble, 
Jonathan Davison, Xathaniel Ladd and Robert \\'inchell. The road to Flint 
was nothing more than a wagon rcjad through the dense forests. Mr. Wood's 
first glimpse (if that city was not obtained until the year folic iwing his arri\-al at 
\\ hig'\-ille. when he came thmugh the forest on horseback to obtain medicine 
for a sick member of the W hig\"ille settlement. He forded the Flint ri\-er and 
went to the trading post kept l.)v a man named Smith, located on the site of the 
old Cra]30 store, which has now given place to a large facti.irv building. At 
th.at time there were only four families on the south side of the ri\-er in the 
populous district that now comprises the second and third wards. Rufus 
Stevens and Jonathan Cn mk w ere located across from the present site of the 
cotu't house, and \[r. Todd had his home a short distance west and south 
of the river. Dr. Hayes resided where The National Bank now stands. 
IMr. W ood remained in \\ higxille for seven }ears, returning to Xew York in 
the winter of 1841 on account of the superior educational advantages attorded 
in the older state. He entered the Genesee Seminaiy at Lima, Xew York, 
and after completing the course there taught school at Smithtown. Bloomfield 
and Arkwright, in Chautauqua county. ]\Ir. Wood died at Goodrich on De- 
cember 28, icjoj, at the ripe age of eighty-five years. 

In 1846, on the 19th day of August, he was married to IMiss Paulina M. 
Hulbert, of West Bloomfield, Ontario county, Xew York, wdiose birth 
occurred October 15, 1822, and when death separated them they had li\ed 
togther si.vt}-one and one-half _\ears. Mrs. Wood survi\-ed her husliand but a 
few days, her death occurrng January 12, i<;o8. They resided at Fredonia, 
X^'ew York, for three years, from 1847 to 1850, when they came to Michigan 
and bought their home at Goodrich, and at the time of Mr. Wood's death had 
completed fifty-seven years' ownership of the old homestead, with a continuous 
residence there for the same period, save a few months in 1852-53, when Air. 
\\ ood came to Flint. Mr. and Mrs. Wood were survived b\' fi\-e children — 
R. H., A. G., W. H. S.,, Edwin O.. and a daughter, Mrs. Emma Allen. 



H 



«r 




iiox. iI':ro.mI': i-:i)1)\'. 



Him. jcriinie l-".(l(l\-. late nf Mint, was Ixini at Stattorcl. New Vcrk, in 
t!ie '20s anil dieil at his home in l-"lint. When a hoy he acconi[)anicil his 
parents to this cit_\' and tlie following;' year, at the ajic of nine years, he entered 
the emplo}- of George Hazelton, who was then conducting a general mer- 
chandise store here. He finally ac(|uired an interest in the business and con- 
tinued therein with Stephen Moore as a partner, under the trrni name of 
Moore &■ Eddy. Subsequently he was associated with Leonard Wesson and 
later with William A. Morrison in the management of .the business. At the 
close of the war he retired from mercantile life and engaged in the lumber 
business, operating a planing mill in com])an\- with .\rtemus Thayer. A itw 
}-ears later he came into exclusi\e control of the i>laiU. continuing in tliat 
ca])acit\' until about 1877. During tlu' next few years, and before retiring 
from acti\e business life, he de\'oted his attention to the handling of real estate 
and built the brick block on East Kearsley street which bears his name. 
During this time he was also interested in newspaper work as the proprietor 
of the "(ienesec County Democrat," which he conducted until he transferred 
the newspaijcr to his son. .Arthur j. Eddy, a senior of llar\ard at the time. 

Before the war Mr. I'.ddy was united in mai-riage to ATiss hdlen .M. 
Curtis, who was the daughter of .Samuel and b'anny ( Walker) Curtis, who 



268 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

emiorated fnnii Wyoming-. Xew Vcirk, to Michigan and settled at (h-oveland, 
Oakland count}-, coming later to a farm in ( irand Blanc township, (ienesee 
county. l'"ron-i this farm they moved to Flint, where thev both ended their 
da}-s. Air. Curtis died when past si.xt}- }-ears of age, while ]\Irs. Curtis attained 
the remarkable a.ge of almost a century. 

]\Irs. Eddy has held hi.gh horiors as a leader in the social and literary life 
of Mint. Her inlluence has alwa^-s been e.xerted in behalf of progress and 
educational ad\-ancement. ruid she has taken the lead in art classes, Shakes- 
perian clubs, etc. She had one sister. iNIrs. ^^'aters, who died in middle life at 
Monroe, Michi.gan. }\Irs. Waters' dau.ghter is the wife, of Dr. Southworth, 
of Monroe. Her onl}- son, Arthur J., is a men-il)er of one of the leading law- 
firms of Chicago. 

The original Eddy hon-iestead was at the corner of East Kearslev and 
Cliftoril streets, the site of which is now occupied by the new- public library 
building. Erom here the family nifned thirty-one Acars ago to their home 
on Church street. Avbich is e\-en yet one of the most iu-iposing iii the city, 
and was Iniilt liy < ieor.ge Hazelton in the '30s. ]\Ir. Eddy belonged to the old 
school of gentlemen who in }-ears gone by were ijrominent in Flint business 
and social circles, and who are now fast disappearing from the city that they 
did so much to build up. Idis geniality was pmyerbial and his kindly and 
courtly ways are inseparable front his niemor\-. In all the relations of life he 
played the honorable part, and in h'S passing he lea\-es behind him the record 
of an actiye. useful and upright career. 




WILLIA^r XI'.WBOLD. 



Mr. William Xewbnld. wliose lidine is at 524 West 'Ihird avenue, Flint, 
was l)i)rn at I'air ( ii"n\e. Puscula county. Micliigan, I'^ebruars' 24, 1857. ^^'^ 
fatlier. Josepli Xewlmlil. came tn (.^liin trcmi Eng-land aliout 1840. 'I'liere lie 
married ]5etsv Tucker, also from iuit^iand. and moxed to IIollv, Oakland 
countw where lhe\" lix'ed for about ten years, losing three children. ;ill in 
one week, durinsf this time. I'rom here the_\' went to Fair (iro\e, Tuscola 
county, in the year 1856. .\t this place four children were liorn : William, 
the eldest: John, now a railroad em])loye at Saginaw: Mrs. Jane ITamilton. 
of Crowley, Louisiana, and Ella, wife of ]\loses Walker, of Flint. At the 
outbreak of the C"i\il war the father enlisted, and after an absence of only 
nine niontlis died in a hospital at Xaslnille, Tennessee. After a short time 
the mother, with her family of small children, returned to Holly. 

William rem;iined with his mother until fourteen years of a,ge. receiving 
such an education as opportunity afforded. Owing to circumstances he 
early learned the wholesome lesson of self-reliance, and as ho grew to m;m- 
hood he developed that spirit of independence that has been such a strong mark 
of his character. At the age of eleven he began work in Buzzell Brothers' 
planing mill, which developed into his vocation, that of a stationary engineer. 
brom the age of fourteen to seventeen he attended school in IIollv and then 
until the age of twenty-two did carpentr_\- and other work. .\t this time he 



2JO i;iu(;rai'Iiilal history 

went to Leaihille, Colorado, where tlie great sihxr discovery was made in 
1880. The same year lie returned to Holly, remaining but one year, when 
he came td I'lint, and for twent3'-one years was engaged with Stone. At- 
wood & Company as stationary engineer of the Flint ^^'oolen Mills. 

On J'-ily 30. 1885, Mr. Xewbold married Miss Anna Lucas, who was 
burn near Strathnjy, Ontario, but came to Flint a few years before her 
marriage. Of this union four children were born — George \\'., on February 
22, 1888; Grace W. nn ]\Iay 24, 1891 ; Alfred T., on October 30, 1894; and 
Cynthia June, on June 20, 1007. The eldest son, George, died July 29, 1906, 
after spending the two pre\ii)us winters in California with his father for the 
piu'pr)se of benefiting his health. Grace V. graduated from the Flint high 
school, class of 1907. .\lfred is still in school. 

In the past twenty }'ears he has invested in vacant pieces of property and 
!)uilt inexpensive homes. Tliis has proven a profitable line of investment and 
in the course of time he has succeeded in coming into the possession of a 
goodly nnml)er nf homes nf this class, niDSt nf which are west of Stone street. 
These homes are in constant demand by those people who cannot afford to 
pay high rents for any length of time. This demonstrates the foresight mani- 
fested on the part of ^Ir. Xewbold in making bis investments. His own 
home on Third avenue is a beautiful and cummodious residence. 

Mr. Newbold has taken a deep interest in the general affairs of the 
countrv and in the advancement of his home town. 




AIR. AX']) AIUS. lAMES S. AL'STIX. 



James S. Austin, one nt tlie hest painters dniniL;' husincss in the city of 
Flint, was 1)iini in Devunsiiire. I'jigland. September 15, 1862. His father, 
\\ ilh'.am Austin, was a practical farmer, and died in De\'(inshire. His ninther. 
I'rances (Sanfnrd) Austin. ,i;a\e liirth tn fourteen children and ])ro\ed a 
cipa1)le and efficient niatiager fm' this larj^e and interesting' family. 

James was the nintli child in the order of hirth and recei\'ed such educa- 
tion as circumstances would permit. .\'aturall\-. as he grew to manhood it 
became necessarv for him to turn his atteiUion to some means for making a 

licelih 1. and the usual custom ])re\ailed of becoming an apprentice at some 

trade, lie chose the painter's trade and for seven years a])])lied liimself to 
the learning of his work, and this was done in tlie most thorough manner. 
It is gencralK' conceded 1)\- contractors and em])lo\ers in America toda\- that 
1-jiglish wor]<men are among the most thorough em])lo\'es a\-aihd)le. '^]le^• 
mt\- not at all times be as (|uick as the .\mericans. but thev do their work 
well, and in the long run are the more desirable workmen. This is due largely 
to their thorough ])reparation in learning their business. They do not sjiend 
a few weeks at their work and then pose as experts, but tJKw are re(|uired 
to le irn all ])hases of their business by acttnl e.\])eriencc before the_\' are rated 
as lirst-class workmen. 

.\t the age of twentx' lames came to .\merica bent on making his wav 



272 BlOGRAl'liiCAL iilSTORY 

in the wurlil 1)\' ci lining ti > the land that means oppiirtunity. He an"i\ed at 
Detroit, and fnr the next eight \'ears phed his trade in that city. In i8<.)2 he 
came tn I'lint and estal)lished himself in Imsiness, and has so continued up 
to the ])resent time. 

\\ hile living in Detroit he was married to Miss Harriet Zuger, who 
was horn at Cr\-stal h^alls, Michigan. Their union has been blessed with three 
sons, William H., Lee J. and S}-l\'ester. 

Air. Austin has not only lieen a successful Imsiness man, but has also been 
an active and helpful worker among the local lodges. He has held important 
offices in the order of Odd Fellows, in the Afasonic fraternity and in the 
Benevolent f'rotective Order of Elks. He is a leading member in the Loyal 
Guards, having held the principal chair in Lodge Xo. i for four years. His 
interest has never abated and he daily practices the principles maintained by 
the orders ior the spread of the fraternity, benevolence and charity. 



CENKSl-:!'. L•OL■^■'l■^■. .MR I IK. AX. 2-ji 

HARVEY STEVENS. 

The i)eoi)Ie nf (lenesec cnunt}'. .Mi(.'hit;an, lia\c always held in high e.stcem 
the men, wlm, in the tn'ing hours of the reinihlic. donned the hlue unifiifm 
and marched to the front, riskini;' life and linih and endangering their health 
in behalf of the cause of the I'nion. 

This county offered iuan\- of the best of her citizens to the national 
cause. .Some of the hra\e hoys who went to the front never retiunied. Others, 
who were then called "ho\s,"' are now grizzled veterans, who came back from 
the war and look up their usual a\ocations where they had left them oil when 
they obeyed the call to arms. One of the mostly highly respected of these 
is Harvev Stexeus. 

Air. Ste\ens was born in the \illage of Genesee, AFichigan, October 20. 
1843. He was the son of Iloratio and Orrila (Cogswell) Ste\'ens. His 
father was a nati\e of C(innecticut and his mother of Xew \ ork state. They 
were married in the state of New York and came to (ienesee, Michigan, about 
1840. The elder Stevens was a substantial farmer. Both parents of our sub- 
ject are now dead. 

Harvey Stevens was the third of eight children, ^•iz., Russell, Mary 
Jane, Har\-ey, Clarissa. Horace, John, Austin and I'" rank. Mary Jane, the 
second of this family, became the wife of Christian Kist, who was a soldier 
in the Fifteenth Arichigan A'olunteer Infantiy. The other sister, Clarissa, is 
now dead. All the other brothers, except Russell, are still living. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm and was 
educated in tlie common schools. Later he learneil the carpenter's trade and 
has worked at that ever since the war. On December 25, 1865, he was united 
in marriage to Mary Jane Reedout. a native of X'ew York state, and to tliis 
union there was born a son, George H., who is now a farmer in Lapeer 
county, Alichigan. 

Mr. Stevens enlisted in Companv K of the Twentv-third Michigan In- 
fantry at Flint. Michigan. August 30, 1864. He was mustered in September 5. 
1864, and joined the regiment at Johnsonville, Tennessee. He participated 
in the battles at Xasluille. Columbus and I'ranklin. He ditl not make the 
m.arcb with Sherman to the sea, as his regiment was left with General Thomas 
to fight General Hood's army. Private Stevens was mustered out of the 
service at Salisbury, North Carolina, June 28, 1865. He has ser\-ed as deputy 

18 



274 BIOGR AI'IIICAL HISTORY 

slieriCf nf ( ieiiesee cminty umler Sheriff .Vrthur AlcCall. Politically he is a 
Repul)licaii. 



TOHX C. HL"GHES. 



.Mr. John C. Hugheb'. (if Mint, superintendent of the Michigan State 
Telephone Compan}-. has long been closely identified with the telephone inter- 
ests of the city, having held his present position for eighteen years. He en- 
tered the telephor.e work in 18S7. coming to I'lint as night operator. He 
\\as identified with the district work hefore coming to Mint, both at Muskegon 
and Detroit, and since comin.g here has had the satisfaction of seeing the 
business make marvelous strides. 

As superintendent of the district he has lieen enabled greatlv to extend 
the company's interests, and has at the same time managed to .give the people 
most satisfactory service. The home e.Kchange was estaljlishecl in 1881 b\- the 
Alichigan Bell Telephone Compan_\-. h'rom that date u]) to ic)04 there ha\-e 
lieen installed about two hundred and eiglit\- miles of toll line, extending to 
the various towns in the district, including such places as Densie, Goodrich, 
( irand lilanc, Mundw Swartz Creek, W'aterton, Flushing, ]\It. ^Nbirris, 
Clio. etc. 

The Alichigan State Telephone Com])an\- succeeds the Michigan Tele- 
phone Compau}', and since this C(jmpany has come into possession of the plant 
there ha\e been many changes and extensions made. 

b'acilities haxe Ijeen installed that will accommodate an extensi\-e patron- 
age, and the modern switchboard e(|uipnient is of the \'er\' best and most 
higliK" improved t_\pe. 

In Genesee county there are about three thousand three hundred 
])atrons, and about fifty-l"i\-e employes are kept constanth' Imsv taking care of 
the system. The lines are being extended steadih' and the prospects for the 
future of the com])anv are exceedingh' fa\i>rable. 

One feature of the work that is making unexpected advance is the long- 
distance patronage. This is making such forward strides that it has ex- 
ceeded the most sanguine expectations, and is an evidence of the fact that the 
long distance phone is rapidly becoming a po])ular medium for Inisiness com- 
munication. The Company is extending its circuit constanth'. and comniuni- 



("rEXliSEE COl'XrV, MR UK, AX. 275 

cali<in with ])etnn't. 'l^ilcild ami hiIkm" ])nints is iK pt onlv a\ailal)le, l)Ut is being 
made- use of more and niDre. 

.Xfr. Hu.y;'lies was tm" elexen years connected witli tlie Huglies-Mann Ice 
and ("nal (/oni|>aiiy, wliicli was later disposed nf tn the Wildanger Company of 
I'laiulcrs. Me was its treasurer, and the allairs were quite successful and 
satisfactory. 

Mr. Hughes has been an able promoter of the pulilic utility spirit 
of the city, and his energy and business enterprise ha\e stimulated the growth 
of the city's interests in man_\' ways. 

This has lieen recngnized b\" the business men of the town and a gen- 
era.l feeling of appreciatinn prexails thnnighnut the district. 




A\"ILLIAM J. OTTAWAY. 



One of the mijst successful as well as reliable stock shippers of Flushing is 
William J. Ottaway, born in what is now Clayton township, Genesee county, 
Michigan, on September 17. 1842. His ancestry goes back beyond the sea, 
both of his parents having l.ieen born in Kent, England. His father was 
George Ottaway, and his mother's maiden name was Harriet Boutcher. They 
came to America in 1S3S and settled in Genesee county, in Vvhich is now 
Clayton township, known at that time as Flushing township. They ended 
their days there, he having reached an advanced age. Their union w^as blessed 
with the characteristic old-fashioned family, consisting of twelve children, 
five daughters and seven sons. Six of the members of this large family are 
still living. The}' are Horace, who now operates an excellent farm in 
Tuscola county, Michigan; Thomas, who is likewise engaged in Clayton 
township: Samuel E., who now resides in Flushing; Sarah A., who is the 
w'idow of Judson A. Stone, late of Clayton township, and Stephen C, also a 
farmer of Clayton township. 

The subject of our sketch, William J., was reared in the old homestead 
in Clayton township, where he lived until he was almost of age. He was a 
boy of steady habits, and one who applied himself zealously to whatever work 
came to his hand. After reaching his majority, the fearful conflict between 
the north and the south came on amain and William cast his lot with the Union 



GEXESliE CULXTV, Alle IIKIAX. 277 

forces. He enlisted in tlie 'riiirteenlli I lattery nt the Miclii.^an Lii^lit Artillery 
on Jtily 31, 1864. lie continued in the service until the close of the war. 
After his return home he came hack to Clayton townshii), remainin;;- there 
for alxnit one year, at the cluse nf which he remo\-ed to Mint, and while there 
he occupied himself in the meal Inisiness. He continued at this for another 
year, cumin^' on tn Cla\ton tnwnsln'p a year later, and then hci^'an farming and 
handling live stock, and has continued at this ever since. He has carried his 
work un in a very creditahle, ahle and business-like fashion, and his haliit 
of square dealing has crowned his efforts with well merited success. 

He was married in Cla_\-ton tuwnship, ( ienesee cimnty, on February 20, 
1867, to Miss Helen 'SI. Brown, who was horn in that \icinity, and who was 
the daughter of James E. and Mary I^. I Sheldon) Brown. These people 
were among the earliest settlers nf the cininty. l\Ir. Brown was a native of 
Connecticut and Mrs. Bniwn was hdrn in ()hi(>. Thev came to the west from 
Erie county. Xew York, and settled in (ienesee county, Michigan, in June, 
1837. They lived for one year in I'lint, and in twn \ears after coming to 
Clenesee county removed to ihe countrv mid settled in Clavton township, 
\\here they li\ed out their allotted time. Mr. Jjrown died at the age of sixty- 
two years, \\hile Airs. lirown attained the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. 
Brown was super\'isor of Cla_\ton township for nmre than t\vent\'-one ^"ears. 
There were nine children horn tn them, of w Ikiui Mrs. William T. Ottawav 
was among the youngest. 

This union was blessed with two children — h'dith M. and Elmer J.- The 
latter is a jnililisher and printer at St. Clair and Port Huron, Michigan. 

Mr. Ottaway was one of the lirst residents of Flushing when the \'illage 
was organized, coming to Flushing in 1868, and was one of the first trustees 
of the ^•illage. He is a man \\ho has taken an active part in all the public 
affairs of the community. .Mrs, Helen Ottaway died on July 23, 190T. She 
was born on August 30, 1844. She was rui active worker in the [Methodist 
Episco]):d church, of which Air. Ottawa)' was a trustee and als(5 a steward. 
He is an ardent supporter of the Odd Fellows' fraternity and is actively iden- 
tified with the Ransom Post, No. 89, Grand Army of the Republic. Edith M., 
the daughter of ]\Ir. Ottaway, was married October 30, 1907, to Edward ]\I. 
Langdon, of St. Fetersburg, Florida, and they will make that city their future 
home. Mr. Ottawa}' s])ends his winters in Morida. 




WARREX HA\'EX TAYLOR. 



Dr. Warren Ha\ en 'I'aylor, ijracticing pliysician of Flint, was Ijorn at 
Pine Run. Genesee count}-, Michigan, in the "70s. His father, Philander 
Taylor, was a native of New York state, having come to Genesee countv 
over a half a centur}- ago with his parents, he heing then only a lad 
of tweh'e years. Philander Taylor's father, wlmse name was John, settled 
upon the farm at Pine Run. and there ended his da\'s at an advanced age. Pliil- 
ander Ta^dor, also a i)hysician, is still li\-ing. ha\'ing his residence at Clio. 
He remained on the farm till middle life, and then took the medical course at 
tlie L'nixersity of Michigan, graduating with the class of 1885. He has since 
heen in active practice at Clio, and is the only son of the family that remained 
in Genesee county. He had two hmthers and two sisters. John Taylor is 
a resident of Chicago, and Charles I. is a ])racticing phvsician at Clarks\-ille. 
Michigan. 

\\'arren H. was reared on the farm at I'ine Run and assisted also in 
clearing and impro\-ing another farm in Thetford tmvnshi]). hut during these 
years he gave industrious attention to the stud}' of medicine, acquiring quite 
a thorough knowledge of the suliject under the tutelage of his father, whose 
medical library was quite etxensixe and modem. He completed the medical 
course in the Detroit Medical College in 1896. and for four years practiced his 



(;i-:.\i-:si':i': colxia'. mkhicax. jjg 

professiiin with liis Uiilier at tlio. Ilerc lie t;aiiie(l \'alual)le experience and 
(lemnnst rated his titnoss fur his cliosen x'licatinn in a vevx decided and co'.n- 
nicndal)le manner, i ie l)nill a capacious store buildintj- and e(|uipped an elab- 
orate olfice. lie erected the tele])hone coniprnu' building and dexeloped the 
telephone business throughout the \icinity. This enterprise seemed to grow- 
almost spontaneously, and in a '■hort time liecame an nn(|ualified success. 
After eight _\eai"s of successful business at t'lio he closed out his in- 
terests at that point ar.d remo\cd to Mint, lie erected a residence at 1216 
North Saginaw street, and has coininned in practice since. He had no ditii- 
cnlt\- in obtaining creditable standing among the members of the medical fi^a- 
ternitv. and a tlattering practice was soon established. He has been actixel}' 
identified with the state and countx' medical societies, and has taken a stand 
in the front ranks of practical and progressi\e practitioners. He carries his 
own stock of medicines. bu\ing ibem in large i|uantities. thus giving his 
l)atients the benefit of the moderate |)rices thus obtainalile. One entire wrdl 
of bis reception room is com])letely tilled with this ])-n"t of his e(|nii)ment. 

Dr. Taylor was married on Sei)tember 12. u;o!). to .Miss Minnie B. 
Wing, of Clio, daughter of l)a\id Wing, a prosperous and ])rogTessive farmer 
of that comnuniit\'. She was a successful teacher in the public schools ])riiir to 
bei" marriage. ( )ne son. 1 )onald. has been born of this union. 

The doctor has been connected not dulv with the various associations, but 
is also an estimable member of the .Masonic fraternit\-. He plays the double 
1! flat bass in the bdint cit}- band. 

for fifteen x'ears before coming to Mint he was one of the leading 
singers in the local Methodist choir at Clio, having been its choral director, 
and for o\cr twn \ears his cflective bass voice has been beard in the chorus 
choir of the b'irst Methodist church of l-dint. 'fbus in a manifold and un- 
selfish degree has he given forth the best of his resources — professionally, 
socially and morallv. 



28o JJlUURAl'lllLAL iiiSTUUV 

JOHX R. SH.WK. .AI. D. 

Mr. Juliii R. Shank, a pmminent physician of FHnt. was burn at All. 
Morris. Living-stun cnnnty. Xew N'ork. His parents. Franklin and Adelaide 
( Johnston ), Shank, were huth nati\es nf New \'(irk state, the nmther luwing 
Ijeen born also in Mt. Abirris, Xew Vurk. Adelaide's parents were Abraham 
and Maria ( Beecmtt ) Jnhnsnn. who started fur Alichigan in the "40s. bnt 
made their first sta}' uf three }ears at Brantford, Ontario. At the expiration of 
that time the\" came to Oakland count)'. Alichigan. and continued on a farm 
there for se\-eral years. Their next move was to Genesee county, where they 
settled upon a farm in Mt. Morris township. Mr. Johnson set himself to the 
heroic task of reclaiming the land from the wilderness, and in time the work 
was accomplished. He died there iqxm the farm, having reached an ad- 
\'anced age. He was survived a few ^-ears \)y his wife. 

I'ranklin Shank came to Alichigan anil Ijought a farm lialf way between 
Flint and bdushing in Mt. ]\b)rris township, near the farm of the Johnston 
famil}-. Here the mother died a few years later, anil the father returned to 
Xew \'ork state, where he remained for a time and then returned to Alichigan. 

He entered the I'nited States army for regular ser\"ice in- the Ci\-il war. 
and after its close returned and n-iade his residence at Bav City. Later he 
came to l-dint. and there engaged in carpentry, becoming also a contractor. 
He helped build the school for the deaf, doing the finishing work on the 
interior. He died in 1-dint. His widow occupies the old honie at the corner of 
Third and Oak streets and is remarl:al;)lv well preser\-ed, considering her age, 

Ihe union was Ijlessed with three children — John R., our s-L'ijject: Laban, 
a physician located at Empire, Alichigan: and ("my S., a plumber of Flint, 

John R. graduateil from the Flint bigh school and for three vears suc- 
cessfullv taught sch;)ol. He then entered the meilical departn-ient of the L'ni- 
\ersit\' of Michigan, graduateil in due tin-ie, and since then has been 
practicing his jjrofessiou, having been in Flint for several vears. His first 
locations were, at other points. He has de\-oted himself to general practice, 
and has been activelv connected with the w-ork of leading associations, such as 
the state and county medical societies. Flis practice is large and substan- 
tial. His broad s}-mpathy and generous spirit have won for him n-iany 
friends, all of whom hold him in high esteem. He is a Republican in politics 
and for two \ears was a member of the cit\- council. He takes a livelv in- 



(ii£.\"i-:sKF. a)L•.\■•l'^■, miciik-ax. 281 

tercst in party work and lias l)een of great value to the party through his 
wise and conscr\ative policy, lie is an active worker in the societies of Odd 
Fellows and ^lasons. lie is constantly on the alert and has never ceased iDeing 
a student, taking' especial delight in the suhject of hiologx-. In this wav he 
manages not onl_\" to grow, hut to grow syniiuetricalK'. and to Ijccome of value 
to the community as a leader and thinkei- in the \arious channels of intel- 
lectual thought and progress. 

Dr. .^hank" was married to Miss Sa<lie C'amphell. She is a womrm of 
hroail cultiux' and has formed a most hel])ful and effecti\e helpmeet to her 
husljand in his work. She has a great talent for music and is enabled to 
entertain her man\- friends in a delightful and en\ial)le manner. 




lARVIS E. ALBRO. 



Captain Jarvis ]•! Alhro, of 1029 Garland street. Flint, was bom on the 
Alljru lioniestead in }^h. .Morris township April 14, 184J. His parents were 
pioneer settlers in the county. His father. Rddnian W. Alhro, was horn in the 
state iif Rhdde Island, hut came in earh' life td Xew ^ nrk cit\-, from winch 
place he emig-rated with his wife ;ind three chihlren to the west in Jnlv. 1839. 
He settled in what is now Alt. iMorris township, in section thirteen. 

His mother, Susan ( Harjjer ) Alhro. was horn in Xantncket. ]\[assa- 
chusetts. and hnth father and mother ended their days on the old homestead, 
the former attaining- the age of eighty-four. ])assing- away in Xo\-ember, 1897. 
The mother died in .\ugust. 1864. in her shxt-s'-fourth \-ear. Their fann'lv 
consisted of se\'en children, of whom jarx'is was the fourth. 

He was reared on the farm, attending the district school, and continuing 
there until he was eighteen },'ears of age. He then attended the L'nion school 
in h'lint for one }'ear. completing his studies suhicientlv to enable him to t<ake 
up teaching, in which he was engaged for one vear. 

On .-Vugust II, 1862, he enlisted in the Tw'enty-third Michigan Infantry 
and went to the front for acti\'e ser\ice fr)r his country, and ci)ntinued in the 
held until the close of the struggle in 1865, being luustered out in Jul\- of that 
year. He was in the arm\' of the Ohio and took part in many of the trying 



(il'-Xl'Sl'-I': C()l'.\T\\ .MKllK.AX. ' 283 

conflicts of tlic war. 1 Fe was ]M-esenl at the siej^e of Knoxville. 'rcniiessec. 
Resaca, in (ieorgia, Atlanta, l'"rank!in and Nashville, I't. Anderson. Xorih 
Carolina, and King'ston, same state. .\ ])ri\ate when he enlisted, his manli- 
ness, courag'e and conl-headedness soon won U>v him rccos^nilion, and he was 
steadily jimmiited thruns^h the hrst and second lientenantew h\- ( 'lovcrnor .\ns- 
tin Blair, and later to the rank of captain hy (iovernor Crapo. IJe serxed in 
the latter capacity nntil mnstercd out at Salishury, Xorth Carolina, at the dale 
previously stated. .\s is uaturallv tn he expected he is a memher of the Crand 
.\rm\' iif the Ivepiililu'. and is ;it iiresent cln])lain of the ( io\ernor Crapn Post. 
No. 145. After returning" from the war he was engaged as foreman of a 
farm near Greenfield. Wavne ciinnt\, .Michitian. which farm was owned hy 
James F. Joy. He continued at that \\i>rk f^r three years, and then for four 
}'ears filled a place of similar capacii\- im the farm of h'. X. Wilcox. He then 
retin'ned td the Alt. .Murris farm, lie timk- an acti\'e ])art in the g'eneral af- 
fairs of the commnnit}-. He served as supervisor for eleven years and was 
again elected, hut resigned the oflice. lie was rdso elected to the place of 
count}- drainage commissioner, which ])lace he held for eight ^"ears. Since 
coming" to Mint Air. Alhro has consented to assist in the puhlic affairs of the 
city, and has fur two 3"ears lieen alderman from the fifth ward. He is at 
present acting as president of the Genesee Cunntv Pioneer Picnic Association. 

In the educational line, also, has Mr. Alhro cast mncli of his influence 
for ])rog"ress and advancement. I'or three }-ears he was superintendent oi 
scliiHils in Alt. Alnrris tnwnship, and was ch.'iirman of the hoard of super- 
visors ii"! 18S4, although a J)eniiicrat, he heing the first Democratic chairman 
ever chosen to that position in that tM\\n>hi]). 

On Christnias day, 1876, he was m.-irried to Aliss Alargaret L. Carpenter, 
(if Alt. Al(ii"ris townshi]). daughter of Rowland and Cordelia Carpenter, also 
])ioneers of the count}". I'^ive children have been horn ti > them, consisting of 
Aliiriiin. (iertrude, wife of Alehin AlcXeil: .Mice, l\a}"miind. and .Sherman. 

Air. and Airs. .Mhro rn"e also lielpful and Cdusistent menihers of the 
Garland street Alethotlist church. 




EDWARD G. RL'ST. 



Mr. Edward G. Rust, ex-sheriff nf (lenesee countv, [Michigan, was born 
^lay 5, 1S65. His parents were William V. and ]\Iary Jane (Banacroft) 
Rust, who emigrated to the west fmrn Xew York state. They first settled in 
Indiana at Ligonier. and came later, in iSd:^. to Genesee count\-. Michigan, 
settling in Grand Blanc township. Here the}' spent the remainder of their 
days with the exception of the closing years of ]\Irs. Rust's Hfe, which were 
spent in Flint, where she died December 26, 1904, aged sixty-five years, yiv. 
AA'illiam Rust was a Democrat and acti\e in the political affairs of the county. 
He was aggressive and at the same time one who carefully weighed the 
probable consecjuences of policies and unrlertakings, and impressed his friends 
and neighbors as an able man of affairs. He died on his farm November 
26. 1894, aged sixty-five years. Both of the parents were active workers in 
the ?iIethodist church nf Burtnn. Their family consisted of four children. 
One of these, E. Summers, is operating a farm in Cirand Blanc township; 
DeHa is the wife of Edward B. Pahner, (if Flint: James B. died in infancy. 

Edward was brought up to manhood ou the farm in Grand Blanc town- 
ship. He was a boy that applied himself steadih- to his work and showed 
signs of a courageous disposition. He remained on and helped conthict the 
farm until his marriage and fur some time afterward, and later rented a farm 



GEXESEE COL■^"l'^■, MICH lew.- 285 

ul Dr. Wilson, known ;is the "Old JJeul^" t'arni. lie remained on this place 
for five years, at the expiration of which lime he hou^'ht the Michael Fer- 
guson farm in (Irand I'.lanc township. Here he lived and conducted this 
farm until he was elected sheriff of ( ienesce county, in the fall of 1900. assum- 
ing' the oft'ice January i, 1901. 

At the expiration of the hrst term he was re-elected for a second term. 
He was also township clerk of (irand Ulanc townshii) for two years, and was 
its supervisor for six years. He is a Democrat in ])olitics and has taken a 
conspicuous part in the political affairs of the county. His merits as a citizen 
have been recognized by his fellow townsmen. He was for about one rear 
chief of police for the city of Flint. 

He was married in (Irand Blanc townshi]) Xo\emher ,^0. 1S87, to ^liss 
Eva M. Jones, who was also born in the same townshi]). She was the daughter 
of Henry L. and Hannah ]M. (Davis) Jones. Mr. Jones died in (irand Blanc 
townshiji April 29, 1902, lia\ing- been born on ISIay 12, 1829. Five children 
were 1)' irn to them. Four of the family were boys, the daughter being the 
third child of the family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rust are also the parents of five children — Etheh'n D., 
Sumner. William H., James B. and Harold J. ]\Ir. Rust is a loyal adherent 
to many of the secret orders of the city, such as the Elks and Knights of 
Pythias. Both Mr. and ^Nlrs. Rust are active workers in the Baptist church 
of Flint. 



^;^ 




FRANK VERT. 



Mr. Frank Vert, a pioneer farmer of Genesee township, was born in 
Scotland Febrnar}- 8, iS.V). He was the son of W'ilham and !\Iargaret 
( ]\Iowat ) Vert, both oi \\ln;m ended their da\s in their foreign home. The 
father was a carpenter and was a skihed and in<histrious workman. 

I<"rank was echicated in the kind of his l)irth and after completing- the 
fundamental studies secured a commercial course, which he also carried to 
completion. He became a b(.>okkeeper, continuing thus until his twenty- 
second year. 

About 1S37 he left his native soil and emigrated to Canada. After ar- 
riving, he liecame engaged in the flour milling business, continuing at that 
time until i86c;, at which time he came to St. Clair county, [Michigan. He 
remained here for a few }'ears and changed to several other points, coming 
at last in 1889 to 1-dint. He had pre\'iously Ijeen in the county for a short 
time, hut did not remain. Since 1889, howe\-er. he has been a permanent 
resident of the counl\'. In 181)4 he purchased his present farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres in section thirt\-three, ha\ing been engaged in the milling 
business up to that time. 

In t8(>i ^\r. A'ert was married to AHss Jane Flarper, a native of Eng- 
land, and daughter of Roliert and ]^Iar^- ( E\ans ) Har])er. After (i\-er forty 



GEXESEI'. eOLX TN. ,\l U 1 1 K ,.\.\. 287 

years of domestic ])eace and liajipincss .Mrs. Vert was taken lience. de- 
parting' this life in kjoj. i'".ij;lu children were Ijurn to tliis union, consisting 
of (."atlierine. .Mary. \Uv/.:[. Henry (deceased). .Martlia. William. l'"rank and 
Iv ilicrt. In rearing and training for usefnl citizenship such a splendid f.amilv. 
Mr. and .Mrs. \'ert have ciaiferred one of the most xaluahle and durable 
boons upon the communitx' and state. The home life has been a center for 
inspiration and achievement, and the spirit of thrift, industry and good fel- 
lowshi]) enger.dered there will lixe for generations, e\er increasing and 
widening in its sphere of usefulness. 

Mr. \'ert has never sought public office, but has always taken a stand 
for clean and upright admin.istration of public affairs. He has not confined 
himself to any one party, l)Ut has preferred to vote for the man that he thought 
best fitted for the ]ilace. He may be classed, therefore, in that ever increasing 
;iodv of patriotic .\merican citizens known as the independent voter. 



CHAKT.KS S. I'lERSOX, 



( )ne wliM has lor man\- years been closelx' identified with the growth 
and de\elo])ment of the county is Charles S. F'ierson, of 1228 Beech street. 
Mint. His father, Charles C. I'iersun, was born Iamiar\- 18, I1H18, at .\\'on. 
Xcw ^'oi-l<. He came to (jenesee county, Michigan, as early as 1840 and 
purchased about one hundred and forty acres of land, mostlv new. W bile 
working on his farm shortlv after taking jjossession (\\ it he met with a nio^t 
unfortunate un'>ha]). He was engaged in his first thrc'^hing. and in an un- 
girn-ded moment his right arm was caught in the machinerx' .ami was se\'- 
ered at the elbow. 'Ibis, of course, unlitted him for fnrtber dut\- on the farm 
and be cast about for other means of winning a li\elibood, lie thereupon 
went to Albion and took a conrse of study ;uid training at .Mbinn ( ollege. 
fitting himself foi- the jirnfe-sion of teaching. His studies here continued fur 
a jjcriod "i twn \ears, and then be beg.an bis labors as teacher. He taught 
with success and ])Ut in the winter seasons at this work, while in the summer 
time be occupied himself on his farm in Grand Blanc townshi]). This jilau 
he followed for several years. 

While in college at .\lbion he became aci|nainted with the \onng ladv 
who later became his wife. This was Martha .\. Dntton. who was born 
|a.nuar\- 12. 1830, in Oneida county, Xcw ^'ork. They were married in 



288 BIOGRAi'HlCAL HiS TURY 

Alliii>n December 19, 1849. After their marriage they went to Jackson, 
Michigan, purchased a Jackson wagun and loaded it with their household 
goods that had been brought from Albion to Jackson, With this eciuipment 
thev drove through from Jackson to Grand Blanc to their farm, where they 
continued to li\e until April. 1863. They then rented out their farm and 
rem()\'ed to h'lint. lie then engaged in the produce business and continued 
at that for about thirty-eight years. lie showed a fine talent for business 
and made a cardinal principle to deal fairly and honestly in all matters, how- 
ever trivial. Death ended his labors August 31, 1904. He was called upon 
to fill places of trust and responsibilit}'. He was identified as a director with 
the (ienesee County Savings Bank from the time of its organization until 
his death and was one of the moving spirits in the growth and prosperity 
of that institution. Religiotisly inclined he took an effective part in the work 
of the First Baptist church of Flint, as did also his esteemed and highly re- 
spected wife. Their children were six in number, enumerated here in order: 
Martha J. is the wife (jf William H. Pier; Enos D.. Charles S., Anna H., 
wife of William H. Edwards; I-'redrick J. and Alice A., wife of A. 'SI. Grieve. 

Charles S. was born in Grand Blanc townshii) Julv <). iS()0. He was 
three years old when his parents mo\ed to I'dint. Here he was brought to 
manhood and was educated in the ])ublic schools of Flint. After conipleting 
his .school course he took charge of his father's farm in Grand Blanc town- 
ship. He remained on the farm for twenty-two years, and by dint of close 
application and vigorous effort succeeded in bringing the farm up to a high 
state of cultivation and productiveness. 

yiv. Pierson was married September 21. 1882. to ]\Iiss Carrie Knapp. 
of Seneca Castle, C)ntario county, Xcw ^^>rk. She was born there August 
24, 1860, and was the daughter of Alliert X. and Margaret (Stevens) Knapp. 
Mrs. Knapp was a native of New York state. She died at Seneca Castle May 
9, 1896, having attained the age of sixt}'-six )'ears. Six children were born 
to them, of whom Carrie was the second. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pierson are the parents of two daughters, Margaret S. 
and Harriet K. In the spring of 1903 the family came to Flint and Mr. 
Pierson has since engaged in handling real estate and in buying and shipping" 
wool. He has become firmly established as one of the reliable business men of 
Flint. The famil\- are deviited memljers of the First ^Tethodist chiu'ch. 




1) W II) CUAW I'ORI). 



( )iK' ('f the l)est ap])! linleil cluthini^' stiires in tlie cit}' nf Flint is the one 
under the name nf L'vaw fi inl iS; Zimmerman. Their facilities fur handling' 
suits are the very latest kind, while their stock is always up-to-date, ample 
and thori iu,!4"hl\- reliable. .Mr. jnseph 11. Crawford, of the abo\-e lirm. was 
born in Otisville. (ienesee count \. Michigan, i in .\o\eiuber 7. 1860. Ifis ])ar- 
ents were David and ("ornelia (Murray) Crawford, his father liaving- emi- 
g'rated with his ])arents to the L'nited States f n im his birthplace in northern 
Ireland in an earl\- day, he bein^' at that time about tweKe \ears of Rgt. Thev 
settled first at ^ psil.anti, comint;' later to ()tis\ille. llis paternal i^randparents 
were James and M;ir\- Crawford, while those mi his mother's side were l!arne\' 
and Ruth .\lurra\. 

J()sc])h's father operated a sawmill near ( )tis\ille. did smne farming and 
in later years came to I'lint, w. here he dieil i-'ebruar\- 7. i8(jj, aged sixtv-six 
years, after ha\ing fanned so successfully as to acipiire three hundred acres 
nf g( 1(1(1. well-im])rii\ed l.unl. J(ise])h"s mother still sur\-i\-es and is a woman 
wild l(i\es "hdiue" best of all. ( )ut of a family of nine cliiUlren, three died 
when young". One son. James M., died in 1907. ide was pro])rietor of a 
leading bazaar slnre at ().\foi"(l. Twd daughters. Melissa and Isabel, are un- 
married: .\nna. fdrmerly a teacher in Mini, became the wife of Mr. !•". G. 



290 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Mattliewson. Alexander is a successful carriao-e manufacturer of Kalamazoo, 
Alicliigan. 

Joseph remained on the farm until eighteen years of age. ac(|uiring a 
high school rli])loma from the I'dint schools in the meantime. He then went 
into ofhce work, hecoming bookkeeper for a reputable local business house, and 
followed this work for a number of \ears. All this time he was accjuiring 
\'aluable training, and was shaping" in his own mind a broad and fundamental 
estinKite of the principles of business success. In i8go he opened up business 
at tlie present stand in company with Frank D. \\'right. now of Chicago. 
I'nder the name of Crawford & Wright the}- conducted a lucrati\'e trade until 
h;03, when the changes were made in the firm as indicated in the present 
name. Close attention to business, upright dealing and a progressive spirit 
ha\e made it necessary for the firm to carr_\- a hea\-y stock approaching $30,000. 
in order to supph' the e.\tensi\'e patrisnage. Their annual sales fre(|uently 
e.xceed $60,000, making it necessar\- to employ from fi\e to six com])etent men 
constantly to wait on the trade. 

Mr. Crawford's associations ha\e ])een long continued and pleasant. He 
\vas elected grand commander of the Knights Temi^lar of Michigan in June. 
1906. lia\ing previously ser\-ed fm' nine _\'ears in \arious positions in the ( irand 
Commander}-, and has also Iieen eminent commander ofGenesee Vallev Coni- 
mandery. Xo. 15. Knights Templar, besides ba\-ing at one time or another 
served in \arious capacities in the local lodge. He is an A. A. O. X. ]\1. ,S. ; 
also a Scottisli Rite ]\Iason of the Detroit consistor\-. ha\ing reached the climax 
of Ijeing a thirt}"-secon(l degree Mason several years ago. 

He was married October 10. igoo. to ]\Iiss Blanch Palmer, daughter of 
Charles I'almer. of Imlay City. She has borne him one child. Charles Daxid. 
now four and one-half years old. 

Air. I'raw ford has taken an aggressi\-e stand for ci\ic improx enient. 
and has been closel\- identified with such mo\ements as those that bad for 
their aim the welding together of the forces of progress, so that Iw united 
efl:'ort. eflectixe work for the advancement of the cit}-'s best interests might Ije 
accomplished. He is president <if the Flint Impro\-enient League. This or- 
ganization is making itself felt in business and civic circles. In this respect 
the cit}- of Flint is in line with similar organizations in the more pretentious 
metro])olitan centers. The}' are becoming more and more neces.sarv to the 
growth and progress of municipal affairs. Mr. Crawfortl is also president 



(.i-:.\i-:si':i'; eoLX ^^'. aik iik.ax. 291 

(it the Masonic reiiiplc AssuciatidU. which lias in \'ic\\ the erection of a 
niagniliccnt temple in the city, iiis wdrk in this c<a])acitv will without a doiiht 
prove as edeciive and as satisfactory as have his achiex'enients in the past. 



Ri'.i) R. (rrv WWW. 



hred R. \\;is horn 1 )ecenihei' iX, iSOj. and in 1S87 came to Mushing to 
hel]i his father huild and operate the elevator there. He continued this till 
the partnershi]! ceased, and then managed it in com])an\ with his hrother, 
Claude, till 1003. lie has shown great interest in stock raising and has an 
eye for good blood in animals, lie runs the I'ioneer stock farm, raises short- 
liorn cattle, Rerkshire hog>. tine shec]), etc., and nex'er fails for premiums at 
the local fairs. 

He was married Jannar}- 17. i8i)_:;, to Miss Xettie M. Rhelps, daitghter of 
Cyrus Pheljjs, the hardw are merchant in Flushing. She was born at Buffalo, 
Xew 'N'ork, educated in the Chicago public schools, and also attended Val- 
paraiso L'nixersity of Indiana. At one time she taught in the jjublic schools 
of I'lushing. Their children are Afarion E.. Ralph J., Stewart, and Marjorie. 

Mr. Ottawav is a Republican and has serx'ed as township treasurer and 
also super\isor. He was ma<le a member of a l)uilding committee of five 
men for the construction of the new courthouse, this demonstrating the con- 
fidence that is placed in his ability and integrity. 




MRS. THOMAS A. W'lLLE 



The life histijn- of Thomas A. \A'illett is one of interesting and \aried 
experiences. His parents, William Tliomas and Julia Ann ( T^-itchard ) Wil- 
let. were natives of Canada. His father was a sail(jr and had attained the 
position of captain when he died of clmlera in Montreal in 1S54. His mother 
lived to quite an ad\'anced aye. Si-\ children were horn ti> this union, of 
whom Thomas was the oklest and the only son. He was liorn in the 
province of Quebec, Xew Richmond, r)ona\enture. .\pril 7, 1842, and here 
spent his boyhood days up to his twelfth _\-ear. He then went out to sea with 
his father, and for the next two years served as cabin bo\' on his father's 
vessel. He continued the sailor's life until 1861, and had man}' exciting 
experiences with storm and wave. 

His next move was to enlist in the L'nited States navw in which service 
he continued until 1864. This ]ieriod of his life was also filled with many 
ups anil diiwns. Conspicuous among these was a close call while in the con- 



ci'.xi'.si".!-: c■()l■^■'r^^ mk iiKi.w. 293 

test fur tlie fapluri' of l-'t. I \vnv\ i m the Tennessee ri\er. 1 le li;i<l been assig'ned 
to the ytinbdat. llie "Ivssex." when the hnilers nf the \essel were exploded \>y 
the liiirstin.t;- nf a slieh. Mr. W illet was cinse at hand and snlTei'ed scal(hnii'. 
and his hudv was so riddleil that twentv-<ine wnnnds were counted. I'or tlu'ee 
liours lie la\' in a venii-ci nscious state, heint;' able to realize what was 
^oini;' on around him, hut unable to s|)eak or make any mo\'e or demonstra- 
tion. His life hnnj; a|ii):nentl\ b\ a thread, but strength linally retitrned and 
he ultiniateK' reeo\ered his health. 

After the close of the war he repaired to Xcw \i>yk state and became 
eiis'a,t;ed at carpentering', following this until iS')j. ilc then came west to 
Micliigan. and for three years followed carpentry at I'.attle Creek. In 1S83 
he came to Idint. continuing his trade, but also forming a ])artnership with 
!■-. 1. r.er.nett, manufacturers of carbi naled siila water. lie was one of 
the tirni for nine years and is now- living chietly a retired life. 

I lis fu'st marriage was in ilattle ("reek. Michigan, to Miss l'".mil\' \\ . 
lones. who was born at Scijiio. Xcw N ork. Thex' were the parents of three 
children — bretl S.. b'rancis S. and .\una ( ). The mother died at .Maple 
"Rapids. ^Michigan, May _'. i<SSi. 

lie was again married on June 30. iSSi). to Mi>s l-'.li^e A. Judd. w hi 1 was 
born in Flint, and was the daughter of Richard and .Mar\- ((iavton) |udd, 
who were nati\es of Dexunshire. F.ngland. They came to (lenesee county 
in 1S51 and settled in h'hnt. .Mrs. judd died in h"liiit in iSSc), having reached 
the age of sixt_\'-hve years. Wv. judd passed away in i8(/) at the age of 
se\enty }cars. Three children were born to them in blint. \iz.. (ieorgc IT.. 
Thirza. and I'dise. 

Mr. and Mrs. W illet are active members in the b.piscopal church and 
are clo>cK- identilieil with many of the leading orders and societies of the cit\". 
Air. \\"illet has held some of the chief places of trust and honor in the lodges 
of (_)dd b"ellows and Maccabees. He was a charter member of the tirst canton 
of Odd Fellows organized here and was its first ]jresidiug olVicer. Mrs. W'illet 
taught in the city schools ot Mint for nine years, and has been a member of 
the Columbian C"Iub for some time, gixing man\- of her s])are hours to the 
work. She is one of the leaders in the literary lit'e of the citv and is 
responsible in a measure for the lively spirit and aggressive activities of those 
interested in this i)ha.se of the city's social achievements. Mr. and Airs, ^\'il- 
let are held in high esteem ai;d are the subjects of gi u id wishes on the part 
I if a 111 ist I if friends. 




CEORCE (lORDOX MARSHALL. 

Tliis gentleman was liurn in Lhn-i_>n connty, (Jhio, Xu\-ember 23, 1842. 
His father, Abel, tlied when George was twelve vears old. Ge(>rge 
then \A(n'ked at farm work hy the month with a AL'. W'olverton for 
three years. In 1857 his mother, with three children, removed to jNIichigan 
and settled in Thetford township. . She had traded her Ohio farm, the man 
with whom she made the deal agreeing tn bring her and her familv through 
to their destination, (ieorge returned to Ohio, doing a man's work, remain- 
ing with the said W'oherton until 1861. Ele then rejoined his mother, who 
later married f^rrin Seeley and continued to li\e in Thetford township until 
her death at the ag'e of eighty-three. The children were Francis, Sarah, 
George, Rhilip, and Eliza, Sarah becoming married to one of the sons of 
'Sir. Seeley. 

In I-'ebruary, 1862, ^Ir. Marshall enlisted in Cimipany I of the Tenth 
Michigan \"olunteer Infantry under Colonel Thompson. He servetl until the 
close of the war. being \'eteranized at the end of the second year, August 4. 
1864. His service was chief!)- in the arni}- of the Cumberland, beginning at 
Corinth and extending through Tennessee, Alabama and the Atlanta cam- 
paign to the sea. He participated in twent\'-four skirmishes and engagements 
and was promoted first to corporal and then to the rank of sergeant. His 



(ii:.\i-:si-:i-; toi xtn. mkiiicax. 295 

experiences in lliese acli\ities were sucli as were characteristic uf the war. 
Excessive niarciies. narrdw escapes, fearful ami ii'<yv cuntlicls f(il]<iwe(l in 
quick succession. On ime march, upi in reachins^' camp, hut two men <i| the 
company repurted, i.ientcnant Algeo ar.d himself. They stated that they 
cuukl not stack arms, hut they could report the jiresence of the companw At 
the close of the war he was discharq-ed with his comrades at Jackson, .Michi- 
gan. 1 jiu'iul;' all this exposure and carna.^'e he was neither wounded nor ca])- 
turcd, hut his coat was shot through so nian_\- times that he would not hring 
it home. I'here are mauv trojjhies to l)e found in his home, kept as memorials 
of the struggle. Among these are his old knajjsack. canteen, and a l)elt helong- 
ing to a lieutenant killed at .\tlanta. 

.\fter his return and discharge he weiU to I'it llole, 1 'ennsyK'ania. near 
Oil City, where oil fields were ahundanty Later he returned to 'I'hetford 
townshij) and engaged in farming, moving later to (iencsee township. Here 
he cleared and im])roved land and hrought liis farm up to a high degree of 
convenience and excellence, having a large house and harns. Coming later 
to l^dint he has luiilt excellent residences, the one on East Court street heing a 
desirahle one with- spacious grounds, lie. has taken a li\ely interest in the 
general affairs of the city, hut has not aspired to local offices or appointments. 

In iS()0 he was married to Miss Anna Metcher, of Thetford township, 
\v\\o died in i<'^N,v She was the mother of fi\-e children — George Thomas died 
in infancv: J-.thel is the wife of Charles I'ettingill, a farmer of Thetford 
township: I'hila .M.ary died in infanc}-; ( )rriu is still at the l-'lint homestead. 
Tn iS()4 .Mr. Marshall was married to Miss E\a ihllings. of I'lint. the daugh- 
ter of -Mhert Hillings, another ])atriot and soldier of the C\y\\ war. 

.Mr. .Marshall is a memher of ( leneral Crajx) Tost. ( irand Army of the 
Repuhlic, and has attende<l nian\' of the (irand Arm\- national encampments. 
He has taken delight in tra\-eling o\-er the countrv he fought so nobly to de- 
fend, and has heen ])ermitted to see nearl}- all the sections of the common- 
wealth. He is now reaping a well deserved rest and a rich enjoxnient of the 
heritage of life in the greatest repuhlic of the earth. 




STEPHEN CROCKER. 



I'lir nil ire than liall' a centuv}' Mr. Steplien Crocker, nf Eliiit. was a 
[iruniiiicnt cliar;icter in ( ienesee county, as.sisting' a.s much a.s an\' other man 
in ts mai'\elou^ ile\ elopnient. England nex'er contributed a .stm'dier niem- 
lier to tlie liand of jjioneer.s that made the wilderness "blossom as the rose." 

-Mr. Stephen Crocker was born in the parish of !•" remington, near Barn- 
staple. Count\' of I)e\dn, England, on the 14th da\- of June. 1817. He \\"as 
one of thirteen children. ti\e of wlicm emigrated to .\merica to tempt fortune 
in a strange land. Mr. Crocker came to Michigan and to (ienesee count\' in 
!(S43, arri\ing on the igtli day of June, in comjjany with his sister. Caroline, 
who afterward became Mrs. Silas I'ierce. and the mother of Mrs. 1'. H. 
!\ankin. Jr. 

.\lr. Crocker's lirother. ( ieorge. had settled in Xew N'ork in i8:;2 and in 
iS^'i located in (ienesee count\. Michigan, .\fter spending a rear or two on 
a rented, farm in Crand lUanc ( ieorge Crocker mmed to bdint townshij) in 
1838 and settled on a piece of government land which he had taken u]). 
Ste])lien Lrocker also jmrchased two ])ieces of land from the go\ernment. 
but these were afterward sold to Rwhert Dullani. who. with his wife ( formerly 
Mary Ann Crocker), came to Michigan about two }ears later. The settlement 
in the wilderness scion became known as the Crocket" settlement, the name 



(;i-:.\h:si-:i': COL x IN', miciik.ax. 297 

which it hears {'< liiis daw Mr. t rnckcr , isitcd I'Jigland a nuniht'i' "i liino. 
niakinti' nini- lri])S across the Atlantic. 

Stephen Crocker resided in ( lonesee counts' contmnonsK tor a period of 
si\ty-tu<> vears and t'or over forty years in i'dint. and ihed on the Jjtli day of 
Xoveiiiher. i<;o3. He was married in 1X48 to Prudence Uullani. who came 
ori!^inah\- from tlie same parisli in iuiglaud lliat was lionored hy tlie l)irth of 
Air. Crocker. Tlic estimahle couple enjoved fifty-seven years of wedded hap- 
])iiiess, sharint;' to<;ether the privations anil hardships of pioneer lite in a 
new countrw and the \-ears of ])ri is])erit\- am! comf(irt that caiue in atler years 
as a richlv merited reward. Their union was hlesscd with li\e I'hildren, one of 
whom <lied in infaiHw; another dau.i;iuer. Sophie (.Mrs. James Pierson). 
mother of .Mr. Harry rierson, of h'lushin.t;'. Mich., jiassed to the laud of 
eternal rest and ])cace in 1S7S. her death occurriuiL;' at a time when Mr. and 
l\frs. Crocker were \istin,L;' their old home in l-'.n.i.;land. 1 he son. '1 houias 
Crocker, grew to manhood and died in I'diiit ;i few years prccediut^' the death 
of his parents, d he two sur\i\inj;' children at the time of the death of Mr. 
and Mrs. Crocker were two daui^htcrs. Mrs. Lestei- 11. Henderson and Mrs. 
I'.ilw in ( ). W I K 1(1. 1)1 ith 1 if w hi iiu reside in the citv 1 if Mint. 

-Mrs. Lrocker oul\' sur\i\ed her hushand li\e weeks and went up higher ou 
the _'d day of January. lyod. 

.\lr. and Mrs. Crocker were identilied with e\er\thiug" that tended to up- 
huild Mint and ( ienesee county, and in relit^ious. educational and social mat- 
ters, were held in hii^'h esteetu ,and res])-jct 1)\' all. Hospitable, generous, and 
possessed of inherent iutegritv and sincerit\'. the\' ha\'e left their iinjirint on 
the entire communit\' where the\- lived, and their influence for good will 
rem.aiu for \-ears to coiue. Thei' were actixelv identilied with St. Paul's Epis- 
cojKil church. Mint, and aided materially in making it possible to erect the 
beautiful edilice occu])ied bv the ])arish. 




WILLIAM GILMORE. 



America is much indcljted to Eurupe for mam- of her staunch and lo\'al 
citizens. AnKjng the many contriljutors to the tide of immigration is L'eland, 
which lias certain!}' sent us her (|uota. On.e of these was W'ilham Gihiiore, who 
was born in Count}' Ca\in. Ireland, (ju .\pril 30. 1831. He emigrated to 
America in 1850, taking u[) liis quarters in Cayuga cmint}', Xew ""i'ork. Three 
years later he came iner to ^Michigan and settled in Argentine township, 
Livingston C( mnty. 

He built himself a log cabin, Init worked out most of the time, making 
frcim fifteen to twent}' dollars per month. Three or four years later he liought 
a tract of hea\y timber land in X'ernun township. Shiawassee colmt}'. On 
this he liuilt a log hnnse, but later, in 187J, he put up a good substantial frame 
dwelling. He has also erected good barns and has been able to add more 
land to his farm from time to time, thus showing not only thrift, but economy 
as well. At one tinie he sold a jxirt of the original f;irm to his brother. Hugh, 
who died se\'eral years ago. 

Mr. ( h'lniore was married on October 18. iSOo, to Anna Jane Stringer. 
of \\'a\ne conntv. Their experience when going to housekeeping was not 
unlike that of man\' another of our pioneer citizens. Having neither horse 
nor cow .Mr. (iilmore so<in paid for a cow by ditching at daily wages. Mrs. 



(;i-;.\i-:sEL': cola r\\ MKiiKi.w. 299 

(iilni(.ii"e's fatlKT l)^c^cllt^.•ll Iht with a Imr^i-. J his tlie}' soon traded fur an 
ox team. l)ut in a year or two the nx team was fephtcecl b}' a good span of 
horses. 

Just at this time the fearful mntest fur llie flag was in full swiu.g. True 
to the love of freedom lnu-ning wiliiin his l)reast Mr. (iihuore stood ready to 
leave his wife and hahes and enlist for the defense of the stars and stripes. 
The recruiting officer, however, ad\ised him to refrain for a while, savin.g 
that good men were also needed at home. 

Mr. (iilmore believed in the maxim that "nothing venture, nothing ha\-e." 
He \\ould often .sell off the last cow he had on the farm. He would fre- 
(|uently lut}- a ])iece of land just because some one wanted to sell it. At one 
lime the only ])a\ineiu he made for a fortv-acre farm was Ins note. gi\en 
without securit}. A little later he sold the same tract back to the original 
owner at considerable advance. His wife shareil with him in their eiforts 
at economy. As soon as the\- got ont of debt thev assumed .iiiother in order 
to get busy. 

OtU of ;i famil\- of nine children six are now li\ing. 1). David II. is a 
mechanic at Owasso; William II. is a tile manufacturer at Durand : h".1mer 
]\I., W'inford 1 .. and Ward Ij. are living on different sections of the (.)ld 
liomestead. ami Al}i'tle \'. is married to Charles Markley. a clothing mer- 
chant of ( iaines. 

Although a Republican Mr. (iilniore belie\cs in the i)rinci])les of pro- 
hibition. He has been a school director for thirteen ^ears, is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal church, has been sui)erintendent of the ."Sunday 
schocil. class leader and an organizer of classes in his day. 

E\-en though busy with home interests Mr. (lilmore has found time to do 
considerable hunting and traveling". He has seen all of Michigan and has 
satisfied himself as to what Florida is like. P.ut in all his reflections nothing 
gives him mme satisfaction than the fact that he has ne\'er had a law suit 
with an\' rme. 




HOX. SIMKOX REXl'ORl) LilLLIXCiS. 



lliiu. Sinieun Rexfurd I'.illiiigs. late of l'"lint. was bom in Orleans county. 
Xcw ^ll^k, March 17, 1N35, and dieii near i-'lint, Alichigan. November 12. 
1905. Air. I'lillings \\as acti\e in pulilic life, having filled many places of 
trust and respdiisibility. His educaticjii was obtained in Albion Academw 
but he had supplemented this b_\- wide reading, close observation and active 
Itarticipation in the affairs of Riclifield townshi]). In 1S75 he \'i'as sent to the 
state leg'islature as representative from his district, filling the place so ac- 
ce])tably that he was retin-ned tlie next term, and after that was again sent, 
this time as senator. 

He was also appointed state I'ailwax' c( nimissioner b\' Governor Rich. 
His acti\it_\' ni the state assembh- was such as to attract considerable public 
notice. He tonk broad and o])timistic xiews of ((uestions Ijrought before the 
bodw and when the matter of legislation dealing with the jiractice nf medicine 
came u]) his utterances drew forth news]ia]>er cartoons, one of which repre- 
sented Inm as being flissected by a body of ])h_\'sicians. He made an energetic 
fight in behalf of the State X'ormal at Ypsilanti and succeeded also in obtaining 
fa\-orable legislation for the state school located at Flint. His paramount 
interest, however, was in his farm, to which he devoted the major part of 
his energv. He earned the well deserved reputation of being the most sue- 



GEXESEli COL'XrV, M 1(1 1 K i.\.\. 301 

cessful anil prDgressive fanner in tliis sectinn <>\ the state. He soon bcame 
wiclelv knciwn nut unly tor Iiis [jrogressive ideas and experimental kno\vledg"c. 
but lie had alsn tlie ahilit}' ti' e\'])ress Iiimselt in a clear and effective manner. 
Conse(|nentl_\' he was gTeatl}' in <k'niand as ;i speaker and made nunicnius 
atldresses before the farmers" insiiiute-~. lie was an eas\- and lluenl talker, 
and was well infurmed < m all tnpics of interest, hence lie was called u]>on for 
addresses in xaridus cajjacities. lie made the speech introducing (ii)\-ernor 
Rich ti) the cummittee that annimnred his nomination as governnr. He was 
an a|)t sturx' teller, a good after-dinner entertainer, and an excellent toast- 
master. Ide was an ardent su])porter and friend of the tarill idea, and was 
always read\ with telling arguments in defense of his \iews. 

His farm w.as kiiowti far and wide as a place of open and gemal lios- 
]3itality. lie lo\ed to eiuertain his friends ami was \-ery ])o])nlar with the 
young ]>eople of the community, his rich fund of huniipi- ;md keen witticisms 
keeping his guests in a coiUiiuial uproar iif laughter. He could see the bright 
side of life, and was successful in throwing sunshine into the lives and hearts 
of his host of ac<|uaintances. 

In the industrial line. also. Air. Hillings was far from being a blank. 
He invented and patented a door catch, which he manufactured and jiut on 
the market. This proved (|nite a success ;md resulted in a good income. He 
was an expert mechanic about the farm, installed his own water works, put 
up substantial buildings and in every wav made his farm his ])ride. 

lie was also broad-minded in bis religious \'iews. and liis doors were 
alw.ays o])en to the ministers of the neighborhood, lie helped generoush' in 
the su])p()rt of the messengers of the glad tidings, and took a tirm statid. also. 
on the (|uesti()n of temi)erance. 

.\lr, I'.illings' first marriage was to Miss Carrie (lra\-, and to this utiiou 
were born twn children — I'.ertha, the wife of I'.dw.ard I), lllack. now li\itig in 
Flim. Michig.an. and W illi.am, who is at this date, 10^7. cashier of the Davison 
State Hank .-it Davison, Michigan. The second tuarriage was to Miss Xancv 
Ashle}'. and to this union was Itoru one child, Carrie F... who is the principal 
of the oral deparimeiU of the Michigan school for the deaf at blitU. .^he is 
a graduate of the Mint high school, and in iSij:; entered the tr;ifning class 
tauglit by Professor L'larke. Her work in the school is of the highest order 
and her success in that ca])acity is beyond (|uestion or criticism. She is a 
member of the Xational F.ducational .\ssociation. and of the Xational Con- 



302 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

\-enti(;in of Teachers uf the Deaf, sessions ui which are held e\'er\' three rears. 
She lias written much along the line of her work, dispkning manv of her 
father's characteristics of initiative and originalit}'. Her mother before 
her was also a teacher fur sexeral years in the same department before her 
marriage. [Miss Carrie lias the work so well in hand that she is enabled to 
give part of her time to the training of the teachers themselves, thus making 
practicallv a normal de|.)artment of her work. She is a member of the Epis- 
copal church, is a regular and loyal atten<lant at all the church ser\-ices, and is 
also a memlier of the ("ienesee Chapter of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution, the ancestral line running back to Joel Rexford. a re\-olutionai-y 
soldier. Roxanna Clatilda Rexford is another noted branch df the an- 
cestral tree. 




AXDRl'.W P. BIRDS. \LL. 



Aniither worthy citizen nf I'lint and une wlm has hecii for many years a 
resident n\ this sturdy city, is Mr. .\n(h-ew !'. llirdsall. He was born in 
I'dnrence. ( )neida cnunty, Xew Vnrk. A])ril 14. 11^45. and was the fifth of a 
fainil\' (if nine cliihh'en. His father was Rev. William ISirdsall. w In 1 was a 
cler.L;"\ man nf the Metlicidist h"piscii])al church, and was a sui)erannuate 
member nf the Helruit conference when lie died. He was born in Xew York 
state Tub' 3. iSif). and after comin;^ to Micliii^an was a heroic dispenser of 
the g'lad lidini^'s under the tryin.L;' and ditficnlt conditions that accompanied the 
ilinerarx" life nf the times. I'rubabb no class of ])nblic s])irited benefactnrs 
lias done more to make this ciiuntr\- of nurs tlie mecca nf the wnrld than these 
udhle and self-sacrihcing- heralds of the Word. For many years the scenes 
(if his labors were in ( lenesee county, and he was li\in.i;' in I'lint when he was 
slathered to his fathers January 3. 1(^94. His wit'c, whose maiden name was 
Alarv l.dbdell. was born in Connecticut September 13. 1(^14. and died in h'tiiu 
township .\])ril iS. i.*s<)2. 

.\ndrew was twn and (ine-half ^■ears old when his ])arents came tn 
A!ichi.i;an. He retnained at home until he was ;ibiiut twebe years of ai^e. 
Possessed of a remarkable anibitidn and an unusual de^'ree 'it pluck, he then 
launched mit ])racticallv tn ti.iL^ht his nwn battles. lie has been a resident 



304 Binr.RATHlCAL HISTORY 

of fienesee county since 1863. He was married Septemljer 28. 1864, to 
Miss Chloe F. BoDmer, wlm was l>iirn in Iku'tnn to\vnshi[). ( ienesee cnuntv, 
Decemljer 4, 1844. She was the daughter of Clark and Samantha (Bristol) 
Boomer, who were both nati\es of Xcw ^'ork state. 'Yhev were marrieil in 
Genesee count^^ 3,Iichigan, and settled upon a farm in Burton t(jwnship, but 
later thev removed to Flint township. They were exemplar\- people and were 
highly respected b\- all their friends and neighbors. Airs. Boomer attained 
the age of se\ent\-one _\ears. ?vlr. Boonier died at Pontiac. Michigan, while 
there on a visit, lia\ing reached the age of se\enty-eight \ears. Mr. and 
jNIrs. Boomer were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Birdsall was 
the second, and is now the onl_\' sur\i\ing member of the family. 

Mr. an<l Mrs. Birdsall ha\e Ijeen the parents of two children, one of 
whom, Minnie V.. was called hence at the tender age of ten _\ears. The 
other ilaughter, Cora C. is the wife of j. Howard (iotshall. The^• ha\e one 
daughter, .Minnie ll., who is at the present time a student in one of our best 
business colleges. I\Ir, Birdsall has devoted the major portion of his time to 
farming and has made himself master of his craft. His industrx- and perse- 
verance ha\'e been manifested in the care and oversight that he has gi\-en 
to the details of his occupation, earning for himself a well-deserved reputation 
as a man upon whom one can safeh' deijcnd. 

Since residing in hlint Mr. ISirdsall has been a faithful and efficient 
overseer of one of the Methodist Episcopal church buildings, and as such has 
won the love and esteem of all with whom he has become acr|uainted. He 
not onlv takes care of the cluu'ch ])roperty, but in compauA- with his wife is 
deejih' interested in the sjiiritnal actix'ities of the societ)-, and contrilnites gen- 
eroush- in all the wa\s that he can to the ad\ancement of the Master's king- 
dom in the hearts of men. 




ALBERT H. BUCK. 



Eaii_\- in the last centui"}' the fannini^' penjile in the state of \'emii)nt were 
tln'own intii considerahle distress im accnnnt nf the faikn'e ut their crups. and 
many of their numbers left the state, emigrating- westward into New York. 
Among others were the parents of Sail}- Dnn-y, who was born at Eden. Ver- 
mont, in 1802, coming to ^'ork state with her parents in 1S16. Later she 
met and married Ahin linck, wlm was burn in Xew ^ ork state in ij')^. They 
made their home at IInr(in. W a}ne countw Xew \'ork, where Albert, the 
subject of our biography and the yoiuig'est of six children, was born b'ebruary 
14, 1842. In 1844 the_\- came to Fenton townsin']), ("lenesee county. Michigan, 
to a farm one-half mile north of Linden, having traded their Xew Vrnk 
pru|)ert\' fur the fiirt\'-acre farm here without haxing i)re\'iousl_\' seen it. It 
had a dwelling nn it. howe\er, and the family soon settled duwn to ;icti\e 
life in what was practicall}' a new wurld tu them. 

The father of the family li\ed to be sexenty-tbrec years of age, while 
the niiither pa.ssed away in October, 1895, attaining- the magnificent ag:e of 
ninetv-three vears. She was one uf the last siu-\i\drs nf the very early set- 
tlers, having li\-ed for llfty years on the sanie f;irm. 

The family consisted of five sons and one daughter, ]Mary Jane, who mar- 
ried William Gamber and died four }ears since at the age of seventy-five 
20 



3o6 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

years. The sons were: ^\'a1ter C, a fanner of Feiiton tnwiiship. wlio died 
at tlie age of seventy-seven }ears: Lewis, l)iirn in 183J and now living in 
Linden: Anson, l)nm in 1834. unmarried, and now lives on the old homestead; 
Isaac C. is now living at Hale, Insco cnunty, ]\Iichigan. 

Our suhject, Albert H., grew to manlnKul on the farm, assuming charge 
of it as soon as old enough to stand that responsibility. He bought out the 
interests of the other heirs and assumed the care of his mother. He had an 
eye for business, however, and for several years he Imtchered and sold meat 
of \arious kinds. An o])portunity to run a threshing machine ])resenting 
itself, he gave this his attention during seven seasons. While on a trip back to 
New York state in 1870 he saw a steam thresher for the first time, it being 
among the first manufactured. 

In 1871, in coiui)an_\- with Joseph Aliddleworth, he operated a grain 
elevator, continuing at this for about si.x years, and making of it a financial 
success. In 1877 he bought a good farm about two miles north of Linden, 
disposing of it three years later and reinvesting in the present homestead of 
eighty acres adjoining Linden. He purchased it in 1880 and has continued 
to operate it for twenty-six )^ears. He still owns the old homestead and han- 
dles wool, Iieans, etc., in conjunction with his other business. He has gixen 
considerable attention to the raising of sheep, and is well \-ersed not onlv 
in what constitutes good veal and market stock, l>ut is thoroughlv con\ersant 
with the sul)ject in general, Iioth as to ^•alue and utility. 

In the )ear 1880 Mr. Buck purchased a one-half interest in the Linden 
elevator, which he .and his partner jointly managed until 1886, when Mr. 
Buck purchased his partner's interest in the elevator and at once assumed the 
entire control of the busine-^s, in which he continued until ii)o6. lie then 
disposed of the elex'ator and all that pertained to it, Air. Fred Welch, of h'en- 
ton, Michigan, becoming the ])roprietor and manager. 

Mr. Buck was married on December _:; i . 1863. to ]\Iiss Lydia Almira 
Chapin. ]\Irs. Chapin, the mother of !\Irs. Luck, was born in A'erniont and 
came to Michigan when fourteen ^•ears of age. She died when L\(lia was 
about eight )'ears old. 

After J\L-s. C"hai)in's death Mr. Chapin remained on the farm in l'>n- 
ton township until the railroad survey cut into the farm, whereupon he dis- 
posed of it, remo\ing to another tract in Shiawassee count\'. 

Mr. antl ]Mrs. Buck have had two sons, 01i\'er O., born October 5, 1869, 



GEXKSF.I': COl'XTN'. M l(,l I KIAX. 307 

anil Ik'nnaii A., hdni July 13, 1S7S. Tlie latter is nccuiniiij;' the did liunic- 
stcail, while the fnrnier is mi the farm with his father. 

Mr. lUiek has in it narvuwed himself (lown tn his neighljorhoocl activities, 
hill has taken time and oppnrtnnity to tra\-el ahnut ii\-cr the country. TTe has 
\'isitcd some of the notahle expositions that ha\'e heen world-renowned. ha\- 
ini;- attended the fairs at I'hiladelphia. Chica,yii and liuffaln. At all these 
places .Mr. l!nck was an interested in\ esiii^atnr into tlmse features that not 
only gave enlightenment of the wurld generally, hut also of all matters that 
ga\'e him a better outknik nn his business life after retiu'iiing to his home 
community, lie ddcs ik it beliexe in speculation, but is not at all afraid of a 
business venture, as is e\idenccd b\' his transaction recenth' made. Tn com- 
])an}- with ;indther gentleman he purchased one thousand sheep in Idaho and 
shipped them to BufTalo. Xew ^nrk. .\t another time he purchased thirty 
dduble-decked carloads of lambs, lea\ing- orders for them to be shipped one 
nidiith later. He has not sought public office, but has rather preferred to de- 
\-ote himself un(|ualitied]y tn his business interests. 




CLAREXCE O. HETCHLER. 

Tlie present incuinljent of the treasurership of Cicnesee county is Clarence 
O. Hetchler. who was born at Linden, Michigan. April 17, 1872. His par- 
ents were Robert ami Jane E. ( Stevens) Hetchler. The former was born in 
New York state, while the latter was born in the "Buckeye state." They 
w'cre married at Linden and li\'ed upon the farm that had been purchased and 
cleared by Robert Hetchler's parents, the former coming later to Linden. 

Clarence was educated in the Linden schools and completed a course 
at the Fenton Normal. He became a clerk in the postoffice and was also 
engaged as drug clerk. Later he entered intii partnership with Albert Hetch- 
ler in the general merchandise business at Linden, which concern still con- 
tinues and has made a mar\elous growth. At the start the capital amounted 
to about three hundred dollars. The present value of the stock is about $6,000 
to $8,000, not including other business interests owned by the firm. Among 
these outside interests is the Linden wagon works, founded thirty-five years 
ago by !Myron Harris. It passed into the hands of the Hetchler brothers two 
years ago. It has fine water power and several subsidiaiy departments. The 
major part of the business of the firm. liowe\-er, has remained centered in the 
store. They carry a full line of diy goods, gents' furnishings, shoes, etc., 
their annual sales being approximately $15,000. For the past ten years Mr. 



GEXESi:i': coLX'i ■^■. mkiikiax. 309 

Ilclclilcr's father lias also i;'i\cii iimcli atteiilinn in liigli grade stock raising, 
taking special interest in maintaining fine hreeds of horses. He owns a half- 
hri'ther to l)an I'atch. or Star Patclieu. a horse of national repnte. 

Mr. lletchler has had the knack of handling public affairs so accepta- 
bl}' that he has been constantly the recipient of tenders of iniblic office. He 
lias held many village appointments and has served two terms as township 
treasnrer. He is a l\ei)nblican and was nominated as candidate for the office 
of treasurer against hea\ y o])position. the primary law being in effect at the 
time of his nomination, lie was elected b\' a handsome majority, and was 
inducted into the office jannar^" i. U)Oj. He then removed with his familv 
to I'dint. 

lie was married in 1898 to ]\liss Emily ]\li<ldlcs\\ nrlh, danghter of 
I'redrick J. mid Carrie Middlesw'orth. of Linden. After se\-en \'ears of peace- 
fnl and congenial married life the wife was called hence, no children hav- 
ing been born of this nnion. (n August. 1906, Mr. Hetchler was married 
again, this time to ?\lrs. Xcllie Sadler, iicc Scranton. ;it \'ernon. Michigan. 
Her one danghter. Helen, is aged eleven years. 

Mr. Hetchler is not only a vigorous lousiness man and an efficient 
guardian of the county's trusts, but he also takes a deep interest in the prog- 
ress of the leading secret societies of the city. He is a member of the ]\Ia- 
sonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows, having been district deputy in the lat- 
ter order for two }-ears. He is also a member of the 1 .oy;d (iuards and the 
Woodmen of America. He assisted in organizing and pushing the wurk of 
the ]\h;dern Woodmen in the community. It is to the credit of the people 
of the county that they have called into service a man of such strong traits 
as are found in the makeup of such an individual as ^Ir. Hetchler. 




JOSEPH \\'ALSH. 



'Slv. Joseph Walsh, retired resident of Fhnt. was horn in Count}" \\ est 
Aleath, Ireland. 3.1arch 31. 1845. His father, Alichael Walsh, was horn in 
County West ]\Ieath, and his niDther, Elizaljeth (Fox) Walsh, was horn in 
County Meath. These parents came to America when Joseph was three years 
old, arriying- at Detroit in 1848. Mr. \\ alsh wurked at the holier maker's 
trade, making a specialty of rehuilding hnilers. The family remained in 
Detroit until 186 1, when they came tn Lapeer county, Burnside township, 
and settled upon a tract of wild land, w hich had upon it a log cahin. hut none 
of the land was under cultiyation. Besides farming Air. ^^'alsh worked quite 
a bit at his trade, performing" opportune seryice for the millers thereabouts, 
receiying good wag'es for his work. 

Louis, the youngest of the famih', still occupies this old (two hundred 
and eighty-acre) homestead. Later the parents remoyed to Flint, where the 
father died in 1894, aged eighty -two years. He was surviyed until 1900 by 
his companion, who went to liye with a daughter at Detroit. Of the eight 
children born to them, all but one are still hying. 

Joseph attended the Christian Brothers' school in Detroit and then began 
work in the timber, assisting thus in maintaining and educating the younger 
members of the famih'. He was employed in the winter and springtime chiefly 



CiliXESEE CULXrV. .MlCliiGAX. 311 

ill ijetlins^' mit Im^s and nimiins;' them (lnwn stream, atid he sunn hei.\'mie an 
expert at the wnrk. heiiii; not niily fearless and darini;-. bnt aeti\e and siip^jle 
as well. 

lie eiinimanded the hcst \\aj.;'es paid tn an\iine. and was (|uile e.xperl 
with tools. He eiiii)lii\ed himsell frei|iientl\' in car\in_<i' lait nx yokes, ax 
handles, etc. J)nrin.<;" the -nnimer seasons he eng'aged in har\estini^'. hindinj^ 
wheat or cradling, as ijccasioii offefed. 

I'or many winters he was in the employ of S. S. Lee in the lunihering 
work, and often had exciting ex])eriences in making the ri\er runs. He was 
frequentK' kept at Mint to assist in clearing nj) the shiiJiiients. These ex- 
periences of his younger manhood ga\e him excellent training in that line 
of hnsitiess and laid the foundations for his future success in the capacity of 
a huiihernian. it would form a long story, indeed, to follow him through the 
\arious enterprises in which he became engaged. He was frefpiently oiTered 
doul)le salar\' as a scaler and l)U\er of logs, and was in the employ oi the 
Cra])o Lumher Coiupaiu' for a numher of years. Later he Ije^'ame associated 
with \-arious lumher interests o\-er the state, and especially in the heavy timber 
tracts near the lakes. In some of these enterprises he was sent b\- \-arious 
lumber companies as an expert investigator, being etitrusted with the dut\- 
of making a personal examination of the timber areas, and reporting his 
estimates to the conipan\-. In all of these cases his reports were accepted and 
acted upon, the fullest ci nlidence beif-g placed in his sound judgment and 
accurate conclusions. .\t \-arious times he became ])art owner in some of 
these extensive lumber tracts and many of the milling enterprises represented 
inxestments of as much as $ioo.ooo in a sitigle venture. In 1880 he repre- 
sented the Delto Lumber Com]xuiy in locating and laying out the site of the 
present thriving and pros]:)erous \-illage of Tliompson. in ."Schoolcraft county. 
Michigan. In 1881 he laid out the first logging" railroad in the upper ])enin- 
sula. He was cspecialK- successful in supervising the lumber camps ;uid in 
handling large companies of men. 

On account of failing health he was compelled to abandon active work 
in the titubcr and repaired to a farm near Mint, purchased from C. -\. Mason. 
He ])Ut on a new stock of tools and rebuilt the farm house, making it one of 
the best in the county. He developed the drainage of the farm to :i high 
degree of ])erfection. and was on this t'anu for eighteen _\'ears. In the mean- 
time, however, be continued bis interests in the lumber business, and made 



312 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

many prosperous ventures. Some reljuffs were encountered during the panics 
of 1873 and 1893. and during the latter stress the company with which he 
was associated consigned its aftairs to ex-(io\-ernor Rich as trustee, wh.o, 
after a year or two. sold out its interests at a sacrifice, hut met all (obligations 
dollar for dollar. Space will not permit us to rehearse the details of other 
\-arious and extensi\-e operations, hut mention ma}- be made of some invest- 
ments in the west. In n;o4 he secured an option on a tract of timber laud 
in Oregon, and after \'isiting it made a purchase of si.xteen hundred and 
eighty acres, which was estimated to contain a hundred million feet of lumber. 
In this R. J. ^\ haley became a partner with a half interest. Besides this he 
has mining interests in the northern i')art of the state and in Ontario, and is a 
stockholder in the National and the Citizens' Ci.immercial banks, of Flint. 
He remo\-ed to the city in 1905 and keeps direct o\-ersight of his various j^rop- 
erty interests here, which consist of numerous store Iniildings and residences. 

He is the owner of INIoon island in the Flint ri\er. While still li\-ing 
on the farm in kdint townshi]) he \vas ojnnected with the official affairs of 
the townsliip. an.d was made superxisor for sexeral terms. 

On May -'4. 1870. he was married at Idiut to ?\liss FUen Douo\-an, ^\■ho 
was born at Landsdowue, Ontario, but who came later to Flint. The family 
consists of J(.ise]ih L., of Flint: Spiridian ¥.. of Detroit: Ernest \.. a book- 
keeper at I'dint : Agnes, a teacher at honie, ar.d Edmund, also at h()me. and 
associated with the Michigan Paint Company. 

^Ir. W'alsli is a Democrat in i)olilics and a memlier of the St. ^Michael's 
Catholic church. He takes an active interest in social affairs, being a member 
of the Knights of Columbus. Loyal Guard, president of local branch of Catholic 
Mutual Benefit Association, Elks, and the L'nion Club, thus making the scope 
of his interest both xvide and com]>lete. 




CIlARl.l'.S I. LEWIS. 



Cliarles J. Lewis, late ni l'"Iiiit. was the son nf L>eniainin Lewis, who. in 
turn, was the son of jolm and Lucretia ( IJarnanl i Lewi>. The latter's an- 
cestry is traceahle l)ack to 'I'honias l-"orcl. l);;rn in i'lymouth, England, and 
an eniio-rant to .\merica. lie lived at Dorchester. Massaclnisetts. and later 
at Madison, Connecticut. Charles' father was a farmer li_\- occu])ation. 

He was horn at h'reniont, Ohio. .\u!4'usi 31. 1S30. .\t an earlv a,!;e. 
and hefore he had completed his schooling, he was called upon to face the 
stern realities of life. Lfis mother died wheti lie was Fifteen years old, and, 
as the eldest of a large family of children, he was confronted hy the respon- 
sihilitx' of assisting his falhci" in taking care of his hi-otliers and sister, lie 
Ijegan the ;icti\'ities of life hy teacliing school, and later was employed for 
seven years as a clerk in a shoe store in hremont. meanwhile materialK- aiding 
in the care and support of his father's family. In 1H77 he accepted a posi- 
tion as traveling salesman for Charles Groff & Company, a shoe manufac- 
tiu'ing hrm of Clevel.'uid. Ohio, and came to I'lint to m;ike this his head- 
quarters. With the retirement of this hrm from husiness in 1882 he trans- 
ferred his services to the Cad}--I\-ison Shoe Com])any, of Cleveland. Ohio, 
in whose em])lov he continued u]i to the time of his death. 



314 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

On Xuvember i6, 189S, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Aliss 
Louise Gage, daughter of Z. A. and L. \'. Gage. She was born in Gaines 
township and was reared in the city nf LHnt. She pri>ved a most devoted and 
helpful Companion. 

Besides his wife he was survived by five brothers and a sister — Chester 
D. Lewis, of Bellaire, Ohio; Frank B. Lewis, of Lima, Ohio; .V. W. Lewis, 
of Toledo. Ohio; \\'. E. Lewis, of !\It. Pleasant, Michigan; Mrs. X. C. Sher- 
wood and W. S. Lewis, of I-'remont, Ohio. 

He was for two }'ears secretary of the Michigan Knights of the Grip, 
being- hrst elected to that office at the annual state meeting of the organiza- 
tion in this city three years ago last fall. He was also affiliated with the 
United Commercial Travelers, the Cle\elan(l Commercial Travelers, the X'a- 
tional L'nion antl the Loyal Guard. He was a member of Genesee \'allev 
Commandery, Xo. 15, Knights Templar: Washington Chapter, Xo. 15. Royal 
Arch Masons; Flint C<.)uncil. Xo. 56, Royal and Select [Masons; Jilichigan 
Sovereign Consistory and Moslem Temple. Mystic Shrine. Possessed of a 
genial and companiona1>le disposition and a Ijuoyant nature that radiated sun- 
shine where\er he went, he passed along the highway of life disseminating 
good cheer and helpfulness among those with whom he came in contact. 
Kind, sympathetic, considerate and charitable to a degree he did his part to 
make others happy, and it will alwa}s be remembered of him that he spoke ill 
of nobod}', and e\er stood ready to defend or palliate where others showed a 
disposition to criticise. Thus, in his passing he leaves behind him the mem- 
ory of a n(jble character as a heritage to his family and his friends. 

The closing ceremonies o\'er his mortal remains were thus descril)ed in 
one of the local papers: "Funeral services for Charles J. Lewis were held 
at the h^irst Preslixtcrian church ^'esterday afternoon at 2 :30 in the ])resence 
of a gathering of people that completely filled the commodious edifice. The 
services \\ere in charge of Genesee A'allev Commandery,- X*o. 15, Knights 
Templars. ninet\-live sir knights turning oiU in uniform to pav a last tribute 
of respect to the memory of their departed brother. A large numljer of local 
commercial tra\'elers and others from outside ])oints were in attendance — Bay 
City. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lapeer, Port Huron and Saginaw being among 
the cities of the state to send delegations. The Michigan Sovereign Consistory 
was represented by Commander-in-chief h'reclric B. Stevens and Joseph May- 
worm of Detroit." 



r,i-:xF.sKK rorxTV, .MiciiKiAX. 315 

Tlie fiillowin.t;- pdcin is appL-mled as expressinj^- appmprialely many of the 
characteristics of our suliject: 



A I'-RIEXl) TO MAX. 



Tlv Sam Walter Foss. 

Tliere are lierniil souls that h\e withih-awn 

In tlie place of their self-content: 
There are souls, like stars, tliat dwell ;ipart. 

In a fellowless tinnament : 
There are pioneer souls that lilaze their paths 

\\'iiere hi.^hways never ran ; 
But let me live hy the side of the road. 

.And he a friend to man. 

Let me live in a house hy the side of the road, 

Where the race of men go by : 
The men who are "(lod and the men who are had, 

As good, and as Ijad, as T. 
I would not sit in tlic scorner's seat, 

Or hurl the cynic's ban : 
Lei me live in a house liy the side of the road. 

And he a friend to man. 

I see I'riim \u\ liousc hy the side of tlie road. 

r>v ihe side of the highway of life. 
The men who press with ihe ardor of hope. 

The men who are fainl willi the strife. 
P.ut 1 turn not aw.'iv from their .smiles nor their tears, 

]!otIi i)arts of an infinile plan ; 
Let me live in m_\ hnuse hy the side of the road. 

And he a friend to man. 



5i6 BIOGRAPHIC. \1. HISTORY 

I kn<i\v there are Ijn » ik-gladdened meadows ahead. 

And mountains of wearisome height: 
And the road passes on t'nroug'h the lon.g afternoon, 

-\nd stretches awav to the night, 
r.nt stil! I rejiiice when the traxelers rejuice. 

And weep witli the strangers that moan. 
Nor live in my Imnse l)y the side of the road 

Like a man who dwells alime. 

Let me li\'e in mv hunse ]n' the side <if the road. 

Where the race nf men gn \)y : 
They are good, they are bad, the\' are weak, thev are strong, 

Wise, foolish, and sn am I. 
Then whv shonld I sit in the scnrner's seat. 

Or hurl the c_\'nic's ban ? 
Let me hve in mv Imuse bv the side of the road, 

And be a friend tn man. 




HON. JOIIX ROGKR BILXSOX. 

It is worth while tn note that the citizenship of Genesee county numbers 
among its meml)ers nut onl_\- people of distinct financial success, of patriotic 
fervor, and nf rcliiiinus consecration, hut also men and women of high literary 
culture and taste. Our summary nf the county's mil wnuld nut lie complete 
did it nnt include the Ilnn. Jnhn Roger Benson, of Alt. Mnrris. 

Mr. Benson was horn at .Mancliester. England. June 5. J 8,^7. His father. 
Henrv Benson, was a native of England, hut his mother, Elizaheth ( Dooley) 
Benson, was of Irish hirth. She was the daughter of Patrick and Julia 
(Kennedv) Dooley. de\ out adiierents to the Catholic faith. In 1S40. when 
hihn was three vears of age. his parents emigrated to America, sailing from 
Liherpool. and after a short sta\' in Xew York city and Xew Jersey, they 
came on to Genesee county. Michigan. They settled in }klt. Morris township, 
where Mr. Benson bought a small piece of wild land, which he soon cleared. 
He made additions to this tract as the years went by and at the time of his 
tleatli had come into jxissession of several valuable farms. 

b"or the tirst few years after his arrival he engaged in teaming, as well 
as farming. During the Civil war he went to Bay City and conducted there 
a general merchandise business, both making and losing considerable money. 
He also ])ranched out into a lake carrying business, purchasing a boat of his 
own an<l running it himself, between \'>:\y City. Sandusky and other ports. In 
the spring of ttSj.].. his wife having died August 2^. 1873. he returned to 
Genesee county and continued here initil the close of lu's life. Some years 
before his death, in Eebruary. T897. '^^ removed to a farm in the outskirts of 
Flint. He was a ]\e])ubhcan in politics, but was not an aspirant for public 



;i! 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 



office, and demonstrated his patriotism by li\ing' the hfe of an exemplary 
American citizen. 

Six children were born nf this union, nf whom (.)in" subject. John R., was 
the eldest. Henr^' and Julia died in infancy. The fourth, ^^'illiam Henry, 
died a prisoner of war in the Confederate prison at Belle Isle. He enlisted in 
the First Michigan Cavalry and was taken prisoner at Gettysburg. The 
next in order of birth was Elizabeth, who became a sister of the Sacred Heart, 
and was called to her reward in iSi^S. The youngest of the family was Alary 
Ellen, now the wife of Patrick Lourini, ni Banks. Bay county. ]\Iichigan. 

'Sir. IIenr^■ Benson was married the second time, joining himself to 
I\lrs. Margaret Robinson, who bore him two children — Emma, who became 
the wife of hloyd Marsh, a successful farmer of Genesee county, and Fred- 
erick H.. who is also engaged in farming. 

John R. has spent almost all of his life in Genesee county. He was 
reared on the farm and received his early education in the district schools 
of the neighborhood. When older he attended the Flint public school, and 
took also a partial normal ciiurse at Ypsilanti. In addition to this he has 
been a most industri<ius reader, and ]>v means of indi\'idual research has ex- 
tended the scope of his education in a \ery marked degree. 

In the winter of 1858-59 he began teaching, and for several years con- 
tinued his work, occupying his summers at farming. On March 7. 1862. 
having gone to Philadelphia, Penns}'lvania. to attend business college, he 
enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Infantry. Company 
F. which was later — before Petersburg — merged with the One Hundred and 
Tenth Adhmteer Infantry of the same state. He continued his service in this 
regiment throughout the war. His experiences in the great strug.gle were 
not unlike those of others in the field. He underwent the usual hardships 
and ex])osures. and participated in such conflicts as the Seven Days' Battles, 
Second Battle of Bull Run. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Battle of the AA'ilder- 
ness. Petersburg campaign. Appomattox, as well as numerous minor .skir- 
mishes. The mere mention of the above names is sufficient to con\'ey to the 
reader an idea of what acti\'e ser\'ice in tliis regiment meant. Yet throughout 
all these !\lr. Benson came out without a wound and without capture. 

At the close of this eventful career he returned to Cienesee county and 
purchased the farm in ]Mt. Morris townshij). which he still owns. For four 
winters after the war he resumed teaching, and then discontinued that work. 



nF.XF.SF.E ^o^xT^■, ^nn iiriAX. 319 

(Icxdting' liinisclf exclusively In frirniin,i;'. iiy sn dnini;- he has heen ahle to 
make adtlitions to his oriijiiial imrchase. and has hrcjii.uhl what was a wild 
and iincnlti\ated traet up tn a hii^ii j^'rade. ])i"odueti\"e and model farm, hav- 
ing;' reniciNcd tn Alt. .Mnrris \illai4e in the s])i"ing' of 1874. 

In earl)- life Mr. liensou was a Re])uhlican. hut later was afiiliated with 
the People's ])arty, which hecame fused with the l)emocratic ]')art\'. In 1890 
Air. lienson was elected to the state senate h\ the jnint \dle of the two al)o\-e 
mentioned parties, and served for <ine term, iii\in^- his constituents most 
loyal and efficient representation. At the next election he was renominated 
h_\- acclamation hy both parties, hut the entire ticket was defeated, and this 
closed Mr. Benson's career in that field. He has also filled the office of 
super\'isor of his own township, and has heen jiresident of Mt. Morris \'illag'e. 

On Ianuar\- 7. i8()(i. .Mr. lienson Was united in marriage to Miss Mar\' 
S. Rresette. of South ISend. St. Joseph counlv. Indiana. She was horn 
(Jctober _'. 1843. and was the daughter of Louis and ]Mary Louise ( Chan- 
donia) liresette, l)oth of I'rench extraction, Mr. Bresette being a native 
of Canada. 

Afr. and Mrs. ISenson have been blessed with eight children, all but one 
of whom are li\ing. Mary IC. is the wife of (jeorge C. < ioodyear, of Pittsbm"g, 
I'ennsvh'ania : Kdw.ird li., once a naval engineer, is now in the west; William 
Arthur follDws the meat business at Linden, Michigan; hdorence H. is em- 
ployed as adjuster of claims at a hi.gh salary by the h'ederal Casualty Com- 
]):uiy of J)etri)it. K. Louise is tlie wife of E. Costello, a farmer of (ienesee 
townshi]); John C. is a graduate of the I'niversity of Michigan and a suc- 
cessful ])ractitioner of medicine at Mint; Robert Louis has obtained the de- 
grees of .\. 1'.. and I'll. 1). at the L'iii\ersity of Michigan and is now at the 
Chica.go L'niversit\- pieparin.g to enter the medical ])rofession: (leorge A. 
died in infanc\'. 

.Mr. Benson is a lilerarx' man. Iiaving, as before stated, read e.xtensively. 
lie has made a critical stmly of literatiu'e and is fond of the p lets. He has 
written considerable \erse. haxing compiled four \-okimes of jioems and 
sketches of his own composition, hut as \'et has pul)li>hed no voUnne. Manv 
magazines ha\e heen fa\ored with contrihittioiis from liis pen. consisting of 
both ])i>ctry and prose, and he has been fortunate in winning man\- jirizes. both 
in ])rose and verse. 

In i8()0 Mr, liensou was sent to Califiirnia in the interests of the .Murph\' 



320 bio(;raphical history 

estate. James JNIurpliy died in San Francisco, California, and ]\[r. Benson 
closed up his affairs in El Paso, 'i'e.xas, and elsewhere and had the remains sent 
home for re-interment, making; also a somewhat extended tour of the west and 
of ]\Iexico. In 1900 he made a trip abro.-id, \isiting' points of interest in Eng- 
land, .Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Alan. He also attended the 
world's exposition at Paris. He keeps abreast of the times in all particulars and 
maintains a lively interest in all matters political, social and religious. 

He and his family are members of the Catholic faith. He belongs to the 
Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the Knights of Columbus and the 
Grand Army of tlie Republic. 




CHARLES T. BRll)(;?ilAN. 



It is a matter of pride to the citizenship (if Flint that there are within its 
]x)unds men wlio are not only individnals of marked success in business, but are 
also men of wide culture and bmad interests. One excellent representative 
of this type is Charles T. Bridgnian, president nf the I'ninn Trust and Sav- 
ings liank, and secretar^' and treasurer of Sniith-l'iridgman & Company, the 
leadins^' mercantile esta1)lishmcnt of the city. 

Mr. liridonian was bi>rn at Huntsbnrg, Grange county, Ohio, December 
(i. 1N45. I lis parents came from Xorthampton. ^lassachusetts, and settled 
in ( )hio in early days. At the age of thirteen Charles went to Chicago and 
entered the preparatory depai'tment of the old C'hicago L"niversit_\-, making 
his home with Ins lirolher, whose wife was a rel;iti\e of William L. Smith, 
of Mint, whither Charles came later. Charles also attended the Russell 
Militar\' school at .\'ew Haxen. Connecticut. 

On coming to Mint he entered the mercantile establishment with which 
he is now comiected. taking his place at the lower end of the ladder. He 
climbed u\) through all the grades of work until he reached the office. For 
forty years he has had charge of the company's ot¥icc work, and during 
these years the business has had a stead}- growth each year, showing not only 
some proht but an ex]iansion of scope as well. 

A short resume of the life history of the lii'in of .Smith-Rridgman & 
21 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Cdiiipau}' may l)e nf interest ti) dur readers. 1 he Imuse was established in 
1862 1jy W iUiani 1.. Smith as W'ilHam L, Smith &: Cnnipanv. For fnur 
years ]\Ir. I^^reih'ick W. Jndd was associated with l\Ir. Smith, at the expira- 
tion (if which time hdi T. Smith became Air. Judd's successor. In 1871 
Charles T. Bridgnian, our subject, became a member of the firm, ha\ing 
been in the estaljlishment for six years, and in 1874 the firm name of Smith, 
Eridgman & Company was a<lo])ted. and has so continuetl since. Eli T. 
Smith, brother of William L., died in March, 1903. He resigned a clerk- 
ship at W'aterbury, Connecticut, to join his lirother at I'dint. He was an 
expert salesman — one of the best ever doing business in the city. William 
L. hailed from W'aterliury, Connecticut, and before coming west was buver 
for a large mercantile house. His death took ])lace in March, igof), and he 
is succeeded by his son, Walter O. Smith, as president and general m.anager. 
The firm's annual liusiness exceeds $350,000, and three floors and a base- 
ment do n(.)t furnish sufficient room for their stock. Arrangements are being 
made for enlarging their room space, and over fifty salesmen are constantly 
employed in takin,g care of the business. 

Other business interests also ha\-e occupied some of Mr. Bridgman's 
attention. He was a charter member of the water works compan\- and he 
became president of the Union Trust Bank upon its organization, gi\-ing it 
efficient and effecti\'e direction. The following figures taken from the l.)0oks 
of the L'nion Trust and Sa\-ings liank June !, 1907, show the i)henonienal 
growth <if this bank during the last ten years, and speak volumes for the 
consersative and energetic management of the instituti(.)n. 

On Septemlier 13, 1870, Mr. Bridgman was married at Caledonia, Xew 
\ ork, to Miss Sarah McKay, of that town. She is a woman <if culture and 
attainments, a member of the Shakespeare Club and a dexdut worker in the 
Congregational church. The one son, Lewis H., is assistant cashier of the 
Union Trust and Sa\-ings Bank. 

Mr. Bridgman's travels ha\e been (|uite extensi\e, embracing not onlv 
the new but the old world as well. He has made three trips abroail, includ- 
ing journey's in I'-gxjit, up the Xile to Luxor, also in Talestine and Tnrkew 
He spent six days in Jerusalem and also visited Balbec and Damascus. He 
has \'isited all Euroj^ean countries except Russia and Scandina\'ia. He spent 
a great deal of time in the famous art galleries of Europe, including the 



(il'.XI'.Sl'.h: COIXIN'. MKIIK.AX. 323 

J.niidnn art j;allci'ic>, tlic mies at I'.erlin, Dresden and kniiK-. as well as tlie 
l.'iiurc 111" I'aris. 

In tlic I'nitcd State> Ik- has Nisited e\ei"_\' slate and territ<ir\' in tlie 
I nil in. W liilc in Alexicu he met 1 'resident Diaz and made a clnse study nf 
the Aztec antiquities of Mexico and California, summarizinj;- man\' of his 
experiences and iil)ser\atiiins in a course of most interesting" and instructive 
lectures, the hearint;' nf whicli is indeed a most desiralile privilege. 

Air. liridgman is also a memher nf the Ciingregational cluu"ch. being 
treasurer of the snciety and ha\ iug served fur thirty-five years mi the lioard 
of trustees. He is a luemher nf the Alasnnic orders of I'dint and is a Scottish 
Rite .Masi m. 

This brief summar_\' of the \arie<l acti\'ities of our subject serve but to 
give a glini])se nf his broad personalitx'. I lis life in the c<)mniunit\' has been a 
stimulus til a nii ire delinite, energetic ami effecti\"e citizenship. 



324 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

THO-MAS D. PARTRIDGE. 

\[v. Thomas 1). I'artridge was born in Devonshire, England, on ]\Iaixh 
6, 1833. His parents, Thomas and Anna iDawe) Partridge, were also 
natives of Devonshire and came to America in 1835, Thomas, Jr., being then 
but two years old. For abont four years they made their home in Genesee 
county. New Yurk, in the town of Stafford. In September, i83(), they came 
to Genesee county, Michigan, and settled on a farm in Atlas township. This 
land was covered with forest and one can readih' imagine the formidable 
work necessary to liring it under culti\'ation. 

Then, also another condition confronted him, and that was that there 
were no schools at all in this vicinitv. He bought one hundred and thirty 
acres there, and in the following" June he returned to Xew York, coming 
back with his family in September. He settled upon the land he had pur- 
chased in Atlas township, remaining there for about two years, at which 
time he sold that farm and reniDved to Flint township. The county at that 
time was being rapidly settled, and more schools were soon established. 

He began improving- his land in Flint township and getting it into shape, 
and continued there until January, 1S67. He then removed to Flint, where 
he enjoyed a retired life until his death, Alay 20, 1880, in his seventy-ninth 
year. The mother passed away January 12, 1883, also in her seventy- 
ninth \-ear. 

Four children were born to them, consisting of Anna, deceased, who 
was the wife of \\'. R. Hubbard, of Flint: Thomas, our subject, was next 
in order oi birth: then we have John F., a retired resident of Port Huron; 
while the fourth, Charles \\'., is a prosperous merchant of Flint. 

Thomas was reared on the home farm, spending all his early years 
there except four. In 1867-68 he was engaged in the mercantile business at 
Byron, Shiawassee county, Michigan. In 1868 he went to southwestern 
Missouri on a prospecting tour and was gone for several months. He found 
nothing there that impressed him with any great force, and he consecjuently 
returned to Genesee county. 

In the autumn of 1868 he joined with his brother in the mercantile busi- 
ness, but disposed of his interest in the following spring and returned to his 
farm in Flint township, which he had purchased of his father in 1862. He 
engaged in farming until 1880, at which time he rented out his farm and 



(iiiXicsEE coL".\ r\'. michi(;ax. 325 

remo\'e(l to llic city of Mint, continuing' there for eiglit \c;irs. Tn April. 
1888. lie again returned to the farm in I'linl townshijj. where he has since 
resided. During this time he employed all of his time to the very best pos- 
sible ad\-antage. and gradually came into possession of several fine pieces of 
land, many nf ilieni being highly impr(j\-ed. He has three hundred and 
eightx' acres in hdint and Ihirtnn townships antl eighty-six acres near Clio, 
Michigan. The buildings on his farm are substantial and con\'enient. and 
are the result nf hard and industrinus work, as well as wise and eflective 
manag'ement. 

In 1870 Mr. Partridge wa> united in marriage to Miss Xaomi Burren. 
who was l)orn in Wayne count}'. Xew York, and was the daughter of James 
and Hannah Burren. who came to ( lenesee county, ^Michigan, in t83(). 

They tirst settled in Mt. Morris township, but later removed to Alundy 
township, where the father died at the age of si.\ty-six _\'ears. The mother 
then made her home with her two sons, Charles and Frank, of (irand Blanc 
township. She departed this life December 4, h)o6. having reached her 
seventy-third }'ear. Six of her children grew to maturity. Besides Xaomi 
these were \\"illiam. Lillie, Julia. Frank and Charles. 

Afr. Partridge has never sought to get licfore the public, but he has been 
activelv identified with the Republican partv and has taken a \ital interest in 
the general local alTairs. 



FR AXK AfcWETHY. 



.\mong the many attracti\e features of the city of b'lint are its hotel ac- 
commodations. These are not onl\- ami)le and conimodious. but they are 
conducted on economic and conser\'ati\e lines, thus affiirding the public 
good entertainment at reasonable figures. In considering these mention must 
be made of the Sherman Hotel, owned by Frank McW'ethy. into whose pos- 
session the hotel passed about three years ago. 

A[r. Mc\\'ethy was born in Wyoming county. Xew "^'ork, Xovcmber 24, 
1862. His parents, Frank- an<l bannv (McDonnelH AIc\\"cth\\ were both 
natives of Xew A'ork. They were devout ])eople and loyal members of 
the Afethodist faith. The\- came west in 186:; and made their first location 



326 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

at Saginaw, Michigan. Here the father entered intii the grocery business 
and continued therein until liis death in ii;02. liaxing had a successful career 
not onl\- as a business man. but also as congenial neighbor and upright citizen. 
The mother is still living at Clare. Michigan, having married again in the 
meantime. She and ^Ir. ]Mc\\'ethy were the parents of i^^•e children. \"iz. : 
E\-a. l'"rank. uur suljject; Fretlrick. W alter and Fannv, who is now deceased. 

I'~rank was Ijut four years old when his parents came to Saginaw. He 
recei\'ed his early education in the public schools of that cit}'. After reaching 
maturity he became engaged in contracting and bulding. and followed that 
line of work for several years. 

In about 18S7 he entered intn tne n'juor business at Flint and has been 
engaged in that e\er since, purchasing ui 1904 the Sherman Hotel, which he 
has been conducting in a most satisfactory manner up to the present time. 
He maintains first-class accommodations at reasonable rates. 

On Jul}- 5. 1883. Mr. McW'ethy was uniteil in marriage to IMiss May 
McDonnell, who was a native of Engian<l. and a daughter of Patrick and 
May ^McDiinnell. who came from England to America many years ago. 
Patrick AIcDonnell was for several vears emijloyed l)v the Pere MaiTjuette 
Railroad Company. He and his wife, bdth nnw deceased, were most estimable 
people and were members of the Cathcilic church, b'rank McW'ethy and his wife 
are the parents of four children, consisting- of l-'rank, Jr.: E\-a. Claude and 
Walter. The mother and children affiliate with the Catholic church. 

Mr. McW'ethy is a member of both the Eagles and the Elks, and takes a 
li\el_\- interest in the current topics of the day. 



CHARLES BATES-DUR.VXD. 



Charles Bates was born at Shaftsburg. Bennington county. Vermont, 
September 9. 1809. In 1834 he came to Genesee county, Michigan, from 
Rushville, Yates county. Xew York, with his wife, Catherine (\\'ood worth) 
Bates, whom he had married at Rushville. They settled on a farm in Grand 
Blanc township, where they continued to n-iake their home during the re- 
mainder of their days. They were most splendid neighbors and people that 
made the warmest nf friends. Their industry and thrift resulted in bringing 



(.I-.XICSEE COlXrV, AIKIIK.AX. 3J7 

tlii-ir farm up h> a \ery satistactnrs- state ol" (.■ultixalinn. Mr. Bates was imt 
oiil}' successful as a lafiiier. l)ut possessed coiisidei'aljle liusiness and e\eculi\'e 
ability. He retii'ed fi'Diii active work eaidv in die '80s. 

(_)ii Se]iteml)ei" 7. iSi;n, Mrs. ISatcs was called to Iter reward. She was 
survi\-ed li\- licr husband until March _^o, 1907. l-"i\e children were bciru to 
this union. .\u,>;"ustus died in infanc\-. The other four in order of birth were 
Au.o'usta. Rachel, WOodwnrth and Catherine. 



328 JJIUGRAi'lilCAL HISTORY 

HENRY CLARK W.VLKER. 

Henry Clark Walker, brother of Lexi and James P.. Walker, was bom 
ill Summerhill, Cayuga county, Xew ^'ork. April _'(i, 1S13, and died Feb- 
ruar_\- 19. 1880. His earl}' life was spent on his father's farm. When vet 
a }-oung man he came to Flint. Michigan, where he had been preceded liv two 
elder br()thers. For a time he engaged in teaching school at Grand Ulanc. 

After the location of the state capital at Lansing he resided there for a 
brief peri(_i(l and engaged in mercantile business. Later he returned t(.i Flint 
and joined his two brothers. James B. and Levi, in general mercantile busi- 
ness. \\ bile un])ending integrity was perha])s Mr. Walker's chief character- 
istic, yet by a continual unostentatious kindh' helpfulness he seemed to have 
won the sincere and affectionate regard of all who knew' him. To his imme- 
diate family and relati\-es he was the embodiment of all that was truly gentle 
and nol)le. During his long residence in I'lint he filled manv positions of 
public trust. At the time of his death he was alderman from the third ward, 
secretary i:)f the board of trustees of L'nion school district, and deacon of the 
Presb}'terian church, which latter position he had occupied for a long- series of 
}-ears. In 1863 he married Miss A. J. Hammersle}', an English woman, who. 
with two sons, survi\'eil him. His sons, Rev. William H. Walker, preaching at 
South Ha\"en. [Michigan, and Rev. Henry H. ^\'alker, of Boulder, Colorado, 
are doing \-aliant ser\-ice in the cause of righteousness. 




jOHx hl(;hes. 



Mr. jnhii [Jughes. a liiglily respected citizen ni All. Murris, was Ixirn in 
X'ienna tdwiiship, Genesee county. Michigan, .\u\eniljer i6. 1842. His 
father, thristoplier Hughes, came to (ienesee county. Micliigan. in 1836. and 
settled in Vienna townsliip. He was engaged in construction work for the 
I'errc Afarrjuette Railmad and continued at that for several years. h'oHowing 
this he operated a farm, and continued to do so until his death, which oc- 
currcil when he had reached his ninety-second }-ear. Xine children were horn 
to him, of which our suhject. John, was the eighth. He was ten years old 
when his parents removed to (ienesee township, and this was their home 
wlien John enlisted in Conii)an_\- C of the Twcntx-third 2slichigan \'ol- 
unteer Infantr\-. in August. 1862. He remained in the service until the 
war closed, and hecame thoroughl\' familiar through iirst hand experience 
with what it meant to contend with .a foe upon the field of hattle. 

.\fter returning from the arm_\- he immediately sought employment and 
ere long became engaged as clerk in a general store at ^h. Morris, con- 
tinuing at this for several years. He then worked at farming for his father 
for about one year, and next entered mercantile life by engaging in busi- 
ness at Countv Line, in Saginaw count\". He contiiuied to follow this work 
for a number of years, and then turned his attention to carpentry and con- 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

tracting". carrying on that wnrk at lAart, ^ilicliigan, tor aboiit t\\ent^• vears, 
or until i8qo. He had started the fiiuiuh-}- Ijusiness in 1891 while at Evart. 
He continued to live there until 1899. at which time he returned to 'Mt. 
]\lorris township, antl has there devoted himself largely tu farmino-. after 
spending' ahout two and nne-lialf \ears in ]\lt. Mnrris. He still owns and 
carries on the fi)umlry business in ci )niunctic)n with his cither wijrk. 

On Februar\- 11. i8C)''i. Mr. Hughes was married tu ]\Iiss Emih' Mann, 
will) was born in Canada. Jaiin,'u'\' 22. 1845. She was the daughter of Wil- 
liam FI. and Laura ( Boutwell ) Mann, pimieer settlers of Genesee count\-. 
having cnine hither in 1852. He became nwner nf the land imw taken up 
l)y the northern ])art <if ]Mt. Morris. Both parents ended their davs in IMt. 
Alorris. the father reaching the age of sixty-live years, while the mother 
attained the age of uvev eight)' )'ears. Their family was quite large and 
Emily was one of the older children. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are the parents of eight children, (nilv fnur oi 
whcim are li\'ing'. Thev are: Laura. Edmund. Christupher C and b'orrest M. 
The other children died when still at a tender age. 

Air. Hughes has been one of the \illage trustees for se\'eral }'ears. He 
is a public-spirited citizen, and has done niuch to ])r(iniote the general welfare 
lit the ciimmunit}'. He has not only led an exemplarv life, liut has sijuglit 
lioth by precept and example to stimulate a spirit of good fellowship and 
neighljorliness in the localit}'. ]Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are devout nieiiibers of 
the Catholic church. 




ISAAC X. WALKER. 



Air. Isaac X. Walker, nt 1024 Stdcktmi street, l-'lint. is the enuiity super- 
inteiidem ni the ])nit\\ His paternal anee.stors were from Canada, havini^- 
emig-rated fmni there to Xew ^'ork state. His father. Walter Walker, was 
horn in Canada, hut the family soon remo\ ed to Xew York, and later to 
Michi.^an. Isaac's father. Walter, horn in 1807. was reared in Xew N'ork 
state, hut came finally to Cenesee county. Michis;an. in iS^f). lie purchased 
a tract of land in Crand lllanc townshi]). which was then in a wild and nn- 
impnjved state. lie set himself resolutely to the w 1 irk of reclaiming- the land, 
and his hard and untirint^ eltorts soon hroug'ht the soil under siihjcction. 
This farm hecame his permanent home, and he continued thereon until his 
death in 18S6. at the age of eighty-nine. Although he as])ired to no jiolitical 
office he was not indilTereut to the general interests of the community, and 
therefore took an active jtart in the count\' and township atfairs. He was an 
ardent Repuhlican, having hecome idenlitied with that i)arty upon its organi- 
zation. JUit not onl\' in husiness and pulilic affairs did he do his part, hut 
he took an active interest also in the religious life of the community, being 
one of what might he called the Puritan tvpe. 

The nioiher of our suhject. Julia 1 Remington I Walker, was a native of 
Connecticut. She was seven vears old when her father. Klihevv Iveminsjton. 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

remi_i\eil to ]\Ionr(ie count}-, Xew ^(ll■k, where Julia was reared to woman- 
■ hood. She \\as Ijorn in 1812 and (Ued at the old homestead in Grand Blanc 
township in 1887, aged sevent}'-fi\'e years. 

She was a most dexijut and estimable woman and an active worker in the 
Baptist clnnx'h. (Jut of a family of nine children, h\'e sons and four daugh- 
ters, Isaac, our subject, was the si.xth. He was born on the farm and thus 
early in life learned the wholesome lessons of self-reliance and industry that 
have- characterized his life. He remained at home until twenty years of age, 
and then started out for himself. 

On October 12. iH()^. he was married to ]\Iiss ]\Iary Estes, daughter of 
Daniel and Alarian (Short) Estes. whn were also among the worthy pioneer 
settlers of Genesee county. They came from Otsego county, Xew York, in 
about the year 1838. and settled in Burton township. They, too, battled 
Avith primiti^■e conditions, but went through the usual experiences and ended 
their daNS upon their farm in that township. 

After his marriage Isaac operated his father-in-law's farm for several 
years. This continued until the death of the parents, an<l then by purchase and 
inheritance he obtained full possession of the farm. They continued on the 
farm until January, iSgq. at which time he rented out the farm, now con- 
sisting of two hundred and five acres of good land, and moved to Flint. 

For tweh'e years he held the office of justice of the peace, and was also 
chosen highway commissioner. He was elected county superintendent of the 
poor in October. 1898. and has filled the office most acceptably since that time. 
He has always been identifieil with the Rei)ublican party and is a member of 
the Masonic fraternit)'. He and his wife are also active members of the 
^tethodist Protestant church. He has been chosen for another year as super- 
intendent of the poor, which will make twelve }'ears of continuous sendee. 




ST. MAin "S CATHOLIC CHURCH. 



St. Marv'.s CDiigregation, .Ml. Morris, kmiierly was attaclied to St. 
Michael's parish at Flint. In 1865 the Catholic people of this vicinity, be- 
coniin.t^' dissatislied with the inconxenience attendant upim the traxeling to 
Flint after |)lnddin<;- oxen, and feeling' confident that the}" were aljle to bnild 
and maintain a church of their own. sought for this purpose the authorization 
of their bishop. Right Rev. Peter Paul Lefevre of the Detroit diocese. The 
bishiip cimsented and the handful of peojile liegan the erction of a frame 
building np<in the grounds donated liv the late Christopher Hughes, who 
resided on the Saginaw road. During \H()Mjj the church contemplated 
was completed, and services were conducted at intervals within its enclosure 
by the priests stationed at l^dint. St. Mary's continued for a time as a mere 
mission church attached to bdint. In 1869 the congregation petitioned the 
adniinistratiir of the Detroit diocese, the bislmji haxing died in the meantime, 
for a parish i)riest of their own. Nothing was done with their petition until 
Detroit again had a bishop, in 1870. At that date the congregation again 
l)etitioned the new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Caspar H. Borgess. and their recjuest 
was granted. In September. 1870. Rev. Father M. Canters, a young and en- 
ergetic priest, was sent from Bay City to become the first resident pastor of 
St. Mary's. Mt. Morris, and Sacred Heart churches. County Line. Father 
Canters was succeeded by Rev. Father De Kiere. Father De Kiere was a 
man of note, speaking twenty-two languages with the same ease as he spoke 
his nati\-e Memish. He remained in charge fi\-e }-ears and was followed by 
Father D. Co_\-le. wIki rem;iined three ye.ars. h'atber Coyle was succeeded 
by Father \^an .Straelen, wlm u]> to the present time has lilled the longest 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

past(. irate in the history of the Mt. ]Morris congreg-atiim. He was there nearly 
twelve years. To Father \'an Straelen succeeded Father Slattery. who re- 
mained two vears. and was succeeded In" the present pastor. Father Thomas 
Luhy. L'nder the administratiim of h'ather Liih}- the rect(jry has heen en- 
larged and rehnilt, the mission church at County Line rebuilt, and in Mt. 
Morris, in place of the old frame church, which was sd near and dear to the 
older people, there now stands one of the most beautiful churches in the state 
— a handsiime exemplification of P"nglish Cothic of the Renaissance period. 
The parish, large and energetic, promises in time to become one of the 
largest in the country districts of the c(_>unt\-. 




IIIAULI'.S !•■. 1)1- LAXl). 



Charles F. De Land. <ine of tlnise al>le aii<l self-sacrificing" pioneer settlers 
of earlier davs, was born at ("ainlnr. I ini^a Cdunt}', Xew York, June 12. 1825. 
His father, the Rev. Charles De Land, was linrn at Hartfnrd, Washington 
countv. Xew ^'ork. December i_^. 1797. Hismnther. Susan (WilniMnt) De 
Land, was born in W'e^t .Sti ickbridi^e. Massachusetts. May 11. 17()'>. 'I'hese 
parents came from Mectnr. Sclinxler Cdunty. Xew \ ork. to (ienesee count}', 
Michis^an, in May. 1847. and seltleij in I'lushing township, and ultiinatel}' 
ended their da_\s nn the farm upnn which tliey lirst settled. Ke\'. Charles De 
Land was for manv ^•ears pastor n\ the hirst liajitist church of Flushing, and 
fur eighteen nmnths ser\e(l the same church in (ir.aiid lllanc. lie was also 
pastor of the Mt. Morris Baptist chiu-ch fur sume time, and had been in active 
pastorate work in .Xew ^'ork■ state for tliiiaeen \ears ])rior to coming west. 
Six children were liorn to Imn. ( )f tliese \'irgil W'.. Mdton 1!.. and Alexander 
J. are deceased; Joseph M. is on a farm in h'ln^liing townshi]). i'he next son 
in order of birth was Charles \-'. and following him is .Mar\- ('.. wlio is the 
widow of Xelson Talbot. 

Charles ]•". was reared to manhood in Xew ^'ork state and came from 
Monroe county. Xew ^'ork, to Cenesec conntw Michigan, in 1847. lie had 
lieen marrieil in the meantime l(i lletsex' Hincklew and after arriving in 



33^' BIOnRAPTTICAT. HISTORY 

I ' '' 

Alicliigan he purchased a tract uf one huiKh'cd and sixty acres of wild land in 
sections fourteen and t\vent}-three of Flushing township, and settled on 
section t\\ent\--three. He set to wurk tn imprme and cultivate this land, and 
his industrious etlorts soon brought about the desired results. He continued 
to make this his home until 1904, when he remcn'ed to Flushing. 

Mrs. De Land died upon the farm in h'lushing township on December 
13, 1900. She was born March i, 1829. She was a most admirable and 
pious woman, and took an acti\'e part in church work, being for many years 
an esteemed memlier oi the Baptist church. Mr. De Land had done some 
work at the carpenter's trade while still in Xew York, but after coming" wes"t 
devoted himself chief!}- to farming. He still owns ninety-eight acres of the 
old farm that he [lurchased in 1847. I'or twenty-four years he held the 
office of supeiwisor of Flushing township, twenty years of which were in 
succession. He was highway commissioner for four and one-half years, 
and held the office of justice of the peace for one term. He has always been 
identified with the Republican party. He is an acti\'e worker in the Baptist 
church, haxing been a follower of that faith since 1842. 




JAMES J. HURLEY. 



In tlie character of James J. Hurley, late of IHint. was to be found such 
a comliination of traits as to make his life story read like fiction. He was 
horn in Ijjudon, h-ngland. of Irish parentage, Au£;ust 31. 1S30, and died at 
Mint. Michigan. Aiinl 4, 1905. At the age of twenty years he and one coni- 
jianion embarked for America, jiaxing Init ten cents hetween them. He 
went resolutely to work, however, and later landed in (jenesee county, Alichi- 
gan. He engaged in farm lahor in (irand Blanc township, coming to Idint 
soon after. I'pon his arrival in the city he engaged in hotel work, and in 
comi)an\- witli Mr. Alcl-'ay later operated the Sherman Hotel. 

He was married at the age of twenty-five to Miss Mary hlvnn, who was 
dining room girl at the Sherman Hotel at the time, and later became landladv. 
Mr. Hurley then bought out his partner, k'ollowing this he liecame inter- 
ested in soap manufacturing. ;m(l then for years also became a handler in 
wood and coal. He transacted his business at the location on Smith street in 
the first ward of Flint. Next followed judicious investments in real estate 
;uid in all his business enteqarises 'Mv. Hurley showed not only great sagacity 
and foresight, but also a most commendable spirit of fairness and justice. 
He bin'lt a great many residences and was a most reasonable landlord, re- 
taining some of liis tenants for as long as eighteen years. He built not onlv 



338 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

guod houses. Ijut store blocks as well, always making creditable additions to 
the town whene\er he made these ^■entu^es. 

But not only in personal business did he achieve success, but his sen-ices 
were sought for by outside interests as well. He was a director in the Lnidu 
Trust Savings Bank, and in 1875 was one of the organizers of the Light and 
Power Company of Flint, of which company he was the leading spirit and 
manager. 

His investments gradually increased in value and he eventually became 
possessor of considerable wealth. Realizing" that much of this came about 
!>}■ unearned increment. I\Ir. Hurley took a most charitable view regarding 
the disposition of his belongings. In doing' so. however, lie \vas careful not 
to parade his gifts before men. preferring rather to distribute his beneficences 
cjuietly and unassumingly. He willed $500 to each organized church of Flint 
and donated a block for a hospital site, as well as $25,000 in cash and a resi- 
due of $25,000. 

The site for Hurley Hospital is a handsome location and will furm a 
most \aluable. useful and attracti\'e addition to the citv's facilities. 

?\Irs. Flurley died in 1900 after t\vent}--five vears of married life. She 
was a most excellent woman and supplemented the activities of her husband 
in a rare and beautiful way. 

^Ir. Hurle\''s private secretar\' was made his administratri.\ and she 
discharged her obligations in a Inisiness-like and ecjuitable manner, making 
a visit to London to the relatives and immediate family connections. He left 
many special benefactions and his quiet demeanor has made a most lasting im- 
pression i>n the ci>mnmnity. He was not a political aspirant. He affiliated 
^vith the Catholic church. 




OREN STONE. 

yiv. Oren Stone, of l'"liin. was one of the most representati\'e citizens 
of the cit}'. He was l)orn in Senneti, Xew \'ork, July 24, 1833. and (heel at 
Fhnt, ^Michigan, April 20. 1897. His ancestry is traceable back to early days, 
three brothers having come to America in 1627. They were the sons of 
Gregory and Margaret (Grand) Stone, of Maylantl. England. The line of 
descent to Oren began \\itli Deacon Greg(M"v St(Mie. one of tlie three sons. 
He came to W'aterford. Massachusetts, in i')35 and to Caml)ridge in 1637. 
From him the descendants in order were John. Nathaniel, Hezekiah, Jesse, 
John and Darius R. The last named was the father of Oren. He was bom 
in 1800 and at the age of twenty years was married to Anna Phelps, who 
was also born in iSon. They came west and settled on a farm near Stony 
Run, in ( )akl;md county, .Micliigan. and later remo\ed to Owosso. Michigan. 
J'"inally the_\- located at hdint. where they spent the remainder of their days. 
They celeljrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1870. and were per- 
mitted to enjoy each other's fellowsliip for twenty-three rears bevond that 
time, making a total ])eriod of married life of se\-entv-three \-ears, Mr. 
D.arius R. ."^tone passed to rest in i8(;3 and his companion followed in 1896. 
-Mr. D. R. Stone was a man of indeiiendent politics, hax'ing espoused, sue- 



340 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

cessively, the cause of the Whigs, then the Repul^hcans. later the Prohibition- 
ists and finally the Cleveland Democrats. 

Oren was ele\'en years old when the family arrived at Stony Run. in 
Oakland cnuntv, in 1844. At the age of sixteen Oren went to Columbus, 
Ohio, and for two }-ears worked as a clerk in a general store. At eighteen 
he returned to his parents and bought a stock of goods at Stony Run, which 
was on the Pontiac and Flint stage line, and he was soon made postmaster at 
that point. At this time he was married to Aliss Susan C. Thompson, daugh- 
ter of Caleb and I.ucinda ( Perry) Thompson, <:)f (irand Blanc, Michigan, who 
were early piijueers of that state. 

In 1857 they moved to Flint and opened a general store. He was later 
joined here by his brother, Darius H. Stone, and his brother-in-law, Thomas 
Hadley. He continued in business here, including the handling of real estate, 
until 18(13, when he mo\'ed to a newh' purchased farm at A\'higville, or, as it 
was later termed, Gibsonville. After remaining upon this farm for one year, 
he located in Owosso, and after operating' a foundry there for a short time, he 
returned to Flint and opened a nursery in conjunction with real estate and 
other business. In 1867, with John 1'. W'illard, he established the Flint 
Woolen Mills. It was a small mill, but did a great amount of custom carding. 
Mr. Stone was manager of the financial part of the business, and after three 
years became sole proprietor of the concern, continuing so until 1873, when 
\\'illiam H. French and Charles C. Bowker were taken in and the firm of 
Stone, French & Companv was formed. This. two years later, was changed to 
Stone. Atwood & Companv 1)\' the addition i if W. A. Atwood. The firm 
now did such a prosperous business that the\' foun<l it necessaiy to enlarge 
the plant, and this was accordingly done. It finall}' became a six-set mill, 
and Mr. Stone giive the work his personal supervision, maintaining his in- 
terest up to the time of his death. 

In addition to the woolen business Mr. Stone took an active interest in 
the real estate activities and public improvements of the town, and was in- 
strumental in bringing about the Smith-Stone-Turner addition of thirty acres 
to the city, and also the Genesee county fair grounds addition, of which he 
was the platter and owner: and one of the organizers of the McFarlan & 
Company's addition to the city. "Idie residence at the corner of Harrison and 
First streets was erected by him in 1871 and was the family home for thirty- 
five years. 



(;i-:xi".si-:i;(()r.\T\'. michk.ax. 341 

Although a stanch Ivc-puhncan lie was not a poh'tician. and chd not covet 
])uhhc office. However, lie was nia\iir of the citv tor one term and served 
accei:)tahly in that capacity. He was one of the stock coni])any that built the 
Stone Theater and afterward l)ecame sole proprietor. He took a very active 
])art in the pro.tiressixc life of the citw being' at one time president of the Lnion 
Club, and at all times a leader in civic impro\ement. He is a member of 
Mint I .o(1l;c Xo, 23. l-'rec and .\ccepted Masons: Washington Chapter, Xo. 
13. Royal .\i"ch .Masons: a charter member of General X'alley Commandery, 
Xo. 15. Knights Templar: a member of Michigan Sovereign Consistory of 
Detroit, and Moslem Teni])le of the Mystic .Shrine: always taking an active 
part in the workings of the order. 

His wife, Susan C. Stone, died ]\Iarch 20, 1870. She was the mother 
of three children. Willis died in infanc\-. The two sur\-i\-ing children are 
Dwight Thompson and Helen Maria. On November 2T, 1889. Dwight 
married !Miss Carrie l!row, of Detrciit. Their children are Donald Dwight. 
Oren b'rancis. \'irginia, Helen Jeannette and Caroline Brow. 

Tn 1872 Mr. Oren Stone married for his second wife IMrs. Harriet Stew- 
art Richards. .She was the daughter of Addison and Lucy Stewart, \vho set- 
tled in Mint in 1833. .Mrs. Stone survived her husband ten years, dying at 
the f;unil_\- home October 28. 1907. 




CAPTAIX EDWARD S. LEE. 



Captain Edward S. Lee, member of the law firm of Lee & Parker, of 
Flint, was born in Ci unit}- West Meatli. Ireland. He came to St. Clair 
county, Michigan, in 1865, with his parents, when he was ten 3fears old. He 
was reared on a farm in that locality and received his common school edu- 
cation in the district schools of the neighborhood. After completing the com- 
mon school course, the next few years fnund him doing the high school work 
as offered at Almont and Lapeer in La])eer count)- and also at Flint. 

At the age of twenty he began teaching, and followed this for two 
winter terms. He began reading law with Judge Xewton, and later with 
Newton & Howard. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1S78, by 
Judge Turner and liegan the practice of law ii: company with Hon. D. D. 
Aitken, as Lee & Aitken. This firm continued as such for about ten years. 
For four years he was circuit court commissioner, and for another four years 
he served as prosecuting attorney. He has also been city attorney of the city 
of Flint for two terms. 

Before the ten years of the life of the firm of Lee & Aitken had entirely 
passed Judge C. H. Wisner came into the firm, which later changed to ^^'isner, 
Lee & Aitken. Following this Mr. Aitken was elected to congress, and Mr. 
Wisner was made circuit judge, wdiich office he still holds. This disrupted 



c;i':xiisi':E coi'xtn'. muiik.ax. 34,^ 

llie firm, and fur tlic iioxi three years Mi-, l.ec euntinucil alone. Alxml this 
lime C'i)l(ine1 James S. I'arker be.t^-an reathnt;- law with Air. Lee, and after his 
return fmm Cuha, where he served as an nfticer dmans;- the Spanish- American 
war. hecame jjarlner with him, m.akin^' the tirm name Lee iK: I'.arker. which 
still so continues. 

("a])tain Lee is ;ni ;irdent Repnhlican, and was his party's nominee at 
one time for the mayor'> ch.an- of the city of h'lint. 1 le has been (|uite active 
in the stale militia work, lie started in the ranks antl was steadily promoted 
thrmmh all the i^'rades to th;it of caiitain. Dnrin.i^' the .Spanish-American w-ar 
he assisted in organizing a new volunteer company and was elected its captain, 
but the war closed before they were called to service. While ca])taiti of the 
state comi)an_\-, under (iovernor Rich, he was by him a[)pointeil (ju the l)oard 
of visitors to Orch.ird Lake Military Academy, and served as .such one term, 
lie was local corresi)ondent for the '"Detmit Xews'" for ten years before the 
daily papers were started in hlint. Lie has a two hundred-acre farm two 
miles east of I'dint. This is given over to general farming, and is in a very 
fair state of improvetnent. Ca])tain Lee is one of the directors of the Citizens' 
Rank of Llint, ;md is at present the president of the (ienesee County Bar 
Association. 

In iSSi Mr. Lee was married to Miss Carrie I. AIcDermott, of Mint, 
the only child of James McOermott. the former proprietor of the City Llotel. 
He is one of the old characters of the cit_\-. Carrie L was born in Rochester, 
Xew \'ork, and is one of the alumnie of St. Mary's Seminary of Monroe, 
jNIichigan. Their family consists of eight children, luhel G. is a gnuluate 
of the Flint high school, and is also ;i graduate of the Xew England Con- 
servatory of ]\Iusic of Boston, and TJKjmas ^Nfusic School of Detroit. l-"or 
three years she was director of music in the pul)lic schools of bdint. Xorine. 
another daughter, attended the l-'lint high school, ami after taking a course 
in the St. Mary's Academy, became a sister of the Liimaculate Heart of Mary, 
with headquarters at St. Mary's, Alonroe, Alichigan. She is devoted to 
teaching' and is located as assistant director of music in the ])arochial schools 
at I'ort Huron. Another daughter, Txona, is a freshiuan in the ^Michigan 
Agricultural College, ;md cru'ried off the freshman society jjrize in oratory 
for 1907. Other members of the famih- are I<2s])erance. Mildred. Patricia, 
Tames and Charles. 



344 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

Captain Lee and wife are memljers of St. INIicliael's Roman Catholic 
cluirch. He is fund uf the deer hunt, ha\'ing' brought home tropliies at 
\ari()us times. His family ha\e a cottage at Long Lake and he frequently 
engages in fishing during the heated season. 




DR. SAAnT.I. W". GIVEN. 



Samuel W'eslev (jivcii, M. I)., late ni Mint, was <ine of tlie leading prac- 
titioners of the city. lie was liirn at Drumho, O.xfonl county, Ontario. 
January 31. 1S64, and died at I'linl .May jj. 1907. His father. Rohert (iiven. 
was a native of County Tyn me. Ireland. an<l came from tliere to Canada, wdiere 
he married Aliss Adeline .Sirin.Ljhani. wlio was born in Canada of Quaker par- 
entage. They engaged in farming, and Samuel's boyliood days were spent 
among the exhilarating intlnences of the farm. His father was taken away 
quite early in life. Samuel heing hut fourteen }'ears old at the time. The lad's 
early education was obtained in the local district schools, Init his quick grasp 
and eager spirit made him an apt stitdent, and at the age of eighteen he lie- 
gan teaching, having in the meantime attended the normal sclio<il at Wdod- 
stock. He later attended the \\ oddstock llaptist College, at Woodstock, and 
later took a Ijusiness course at Hamilton lUisiness College. Afterward he de- 
cided to take up the study of medicine. He found it necessar_\-. however, to 
engage in business in the meantime, and established a wholesale commission 
house at Hamilton. This he carried on with ])ronounced success, and the 
business is still l)eing con<lucted at the same li>cation h\- his brother. Robert. 
The desire to take up medicine as a profession, however, iirevailed. and he 
began reading along that line, lie then took a year's course at Detroit, and 
followed this liy entering Rush Medical College at Chicago, graduating from 
the latter institutii>n with high honors with the class of iSi)i. whit-h consisted 
of o\-er two hundred students, lie then began jiractice at lackson. Michigan. 
After about one year at Jackson he changed his k)cation to b'lint. lie was a 
total strangei' at the latter ]ilace. but he had received a faxdrable im])rcssion 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

of the city ami fiiresaw that it wuuld he a fruitful field for venture. Subse- 
quent success has denninstrated the accuracy of his conclusions, for he soon 
Ijecame recognized as an able and progressi\e physician. 

He was a member of the various medical societies of the county and 
state, and was always found alert nn the live topics of the profession. His 
conscientious attention to his duties and his untiring perseverance in treat- 
ing diseases have won f(jr him iidt only a large and lucrative practice, Ijut 
gained fur him the admiration uf the other members of the professiijn in 
the cit\-. 

As a citizen he took an active interest in the general welfare of the com- 
munit\'. For the last nine }'ears of his life he was a member of the schnul 
board, serving nne year as president. He was deeply interested in the cause 
of education, and was an ardent advocate nf the progressive spirit in edu- 
cational lines. The Hazelton school, located in his home ward, the fourth, has 
been largeh' improved through his own elfi irts. 

He was an active worker in the Baptist church, having united himself 
with that faith when nineteen years of age. 

On October 5, 1887, he was married to INIiss ]\Iargaret McPherson, of 
A}'r, Dumfries count}', Ontario. She was a pupil in the school o\'er which 
Samuel presided as teacher, the acquaintance later ripening- into love and 
umOn. Their famih' consists of three children, Donald, Edna and Douglass, 

Dr. (iiven had recently completed a handsome residence at 815 West 
Kearsley street, Flint, but the period of occupancy was cut short by his 
death. His home was a social center, since the doctor found great enjoyinent 
in the entertainment of his frientls. He was a close reader, fond of history 
and biography, and rather of a retiring disposition. When called upon, how- 
e\er, he never failed to express himself with force and clearness. He was a 
member of the Genesee Valley Commandery. Xo. 15, Knights Templar: also 
the Woodmen and Maccabees. His taking away at the early age of forty-three 
years is a matter of universal regret not only to his family and his friends, but 
also to the citizens of the citv as well. 





ALBERT L. ADAMS. 



On accijunt of tlie liniitatidiis of the Held the edit(.ir of a local paper has 
really a difficult problem with which to grapple. It requires a clear grasp of 
the needs of the community as well as a broad and catholic view of the trend 
of aft'airs in general, in order that the patrons may be furnished with the 
necessary news of local affairs, and yet be supplied at the same time with 
such reading matter as will be liread and meat to those intellectually inclined. 
To do this it is not necessary to invade the field of the magazine, but it lies 
rather in the judicious choice and the alile presentation of the matter that will 
be in harmon^" with loft\' ideals. 

This is the jirobleni that has confronte<I the subject nf our biography, 
IMr. Albert L. .\danis, editor cif the "'Mt. Abirris l^Uerprise.'" Mr. Adams 
is not a native of the "Lake" state, but was born in the stale of Xew \ork, 
at Ovid, Seneca county, on March lA. 1844. His father, Lewis .\dams, was a 
carpenter and joiner, a skillful and energetic workman, and came west to 
Michigan with his family in 1837. taking up his (piarters > m a farm in Lyons 
township. Oakland countv. His mother's maiden name was Rhoda A. Lay. 
She died while in middle life. 

.\t the age of fourteen .\lbert decided upon a printer's career, feeling that 
the work of that profession would appeal to his desires and ability more than 



348 BIOGRAl'lllCAL lliSTURV 

anything else. In consequence he returned to Xew York state, where oppor- 
tunities were more al)undant, and liegan work at the [jrinter's trade in the 
offices of tlie "Sentinel" of Seneca county, and also the "Bee" at Ovid. After 
.serving" his apprenticeship and becoming thoroughly qualified he returned to 
Michigan, and fur twent}- }'ears from early manhood he followed the trade 
at :\It. 3.Iorris. 

In connection \\ith this work he also dex'oted himself to photograph-N'. and 
has acquired considerable skill in this line. He found it convenient also to 
take part in undertaking work to a limited extent. In 1888 he took charge of 
the "Enter])rise" and conducted it for Mrs. E. F. Lamb. In about a A"ear's 
time. liinve\er. lie took c<implete possession of the paper, and since then has 
been its editor and proprietor. 

d"he "Enterprise" is ha\-ing a splendid circulation and is doing excellent 
work in that part of the count}-. Mr. -\dams has addressed himself resolutely to 
the task- of producing a clean, masterh- and popular slieet. and the "end crowns 
the \\-ork." Its coluu-ins exert a potent educational influence on the thinking 
public, and contain able discussions on questions of importance to all. Its 
years have lieen years of growth, inasmuch as the progress of human life 
consists in advancing from the old standards and views to ones that are 
light and new. and to do this some one must lead the wa}-. It is the pri\-ilege 
of the editors of the da_\- to do much toward stimulating advancement in 
pulilic affairs. 

Un January i, 1865, ]Mr. Adams was married t(.) ]Miss Anna ^\'ard. ]\Iiss 
\\'ard was of English parentage, and w-as left an orphan early in life. She 
has proved herself an able and companionalile helpmeet, and is the mother of 
three daughters. Of these Flora is the wife of William Holtslander. of Flint. 
Maude is ably assisting her father in the office ; the third daughter is Velanche. 
Taken all in all it would seem that we have here an apt illustration of the ful- 
iilhng of the maxim laid down Ijy Ihoreau : 

"Ce not only good: be good for s(.)mething."' 




REV. TLMOTHY T. ^R'RPHY. 



Reverend Timotliv J. ]\Iiirphy. rector of St. Michael's Roman Catholic 
cliurch of I'lint, Michigan, tn which he hegan to minister in June, 1880, 
was horn in Cork. Ireland, May 4, 1S4S. He was the son of Jeremiah and 
Margaret (Dacv) Mnrphy. He received a collegiate education at All Hal- 
le iw's College, l)ul)lin, heing there prejjared fi>r the ministry, though he was 
not ordained till reaching America, whither he came in 1870. Four months 
later he was ordained in the Cathedral of Detroit h}- Bishop Borgess. and was 
assigned work in Bay .City as assistant rector in St. James's church, hut was 
soon transferred to ( Irand Ha\en. where lie did most excellent and satisfac- 
torv work. Cpon the dixision of the st.ate iiUo two dioceses he was asked 
hy his bishoj) to return to the Detroit diocese. He was then sent to Flint, 
where the church had alread)' existed for fortv vears. having been estab- 
hshed in 1840. 

Tile original sm.all frame liuilding was still used, but a more com- 
modious edifice was dem;mded. and the liishop seemed to think th.at heather 
-Murphy was the man to Imild it. The work was at once begun, resulting 
in the completion in iS8j; of ;i biiilding suitable to the needs of a growing 
congregation, .Subse(|uenl developments lia\e demonstrated the wisdom and 
foresight of its fonnder, for the structure lias well ser\ed its purpose, and is at 
the present time a credit to the archilectm-al l)eauty of Flint, It is fiftv bv 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

fine luiiulred and thirtv feet in size, and was erected at a cost of $30,000. 
The jjresent congregation nnml^ers aljout four thousand souls. 

A parochial school is being conducted by si.\ sisters of the Immaculate Heart. 
Near the ])ariichial sclidol is the sisters" bduse. while in the close vicinity of the 
churcli the pastor's residence is Incated, all the buildings being on Saginaw and 
Fifth and Chippewa streets. The beautiful grounds and fine buildings have been 
improved and decorated by the present pastor. Father Murphy Hall was erected 
in 1003 to accommodate the social and l)usiness needs of the congregation, as 
well as the man\- allied societies, such as the Knights of Columlius.etc. It stands 
near the church, is fort\" liv I'nn hundred feet in size, and was erected at a 
cost of $13,0000, of which $10,000 was donated by Protestant friends. Its 
handsome auditorium will seat seven hundred people and is fitted in mridern 
st\'le, haxing a stage and the usual accessories. The basement is arranged 
with a kitchen and a large ljani)uet hall, together with a smoking rc'iom. The 
])olic\' of l-'atber Alurpln- is to let as large a Ijenefit as possible accrue from 
the advantages of such an assemblv hall, and its use is thrown open t(.i all 
churches alike — Catholic or Protestant. 

Father ]\Iurph}- is a broad-minded ecclesiastic whose theology has not 
pre\-ented an enlarged \'iew ui li\'ing conditions, and who sees in e\-ery earnest 
and honest worker for celestial things a brother man, and one whose argu- 
ments of the di\-inity of Christ but strengthen the basic claims of his own 
mother church. With a warmth of heart for the poor and needy, his earnest 
efl-'ort has lieen to lighten the bea\\- burden and dry the tear of misery. No 
citizen of bdint is held in greater esteem, and none has in his heart greater 
sympath\- than he to heal the pangs of troubl.e or alleviate the hearts bowed 
down with sorrow. He is thorougbh- American and believes in home rule 
for Flint, as well as for his fatherland, glorying in the little that 
has just l:)een granted the land (if his l)irth b_\- the English nation. Like his 
namesake, late an American priest in Rome, who, upon lieing told liv some 
Americans that had bad an audience with the pope, that they hoped he would 
sit in the pajtal chair upon their next visit, res])onded, "That may be, but if I 
ever get there I will hang the American tlag on the outer walls of the 
the X'atican." 

Father ^lurphy is a Democrat, l:)ut at a late banquet upon his organization 
of a JelTersonian Clulj among liis friends, be said that Roosevelt was a go()d 
enough Democrat for an}- man. leather .Murph}- is also a good mixer, and 



GENESEE COL".\T^". .MICHKIAX. 351 

mam- ni his earnest friends are timnd among liis ])nlitical opixments. or 
among those w iiose fraternal ties are antagonistie to Calhohe teachings, but 
the ties of friendship are cemented \>y those stronger ties that are as broad as 
hunianit\- itself. 



FRAXK BOX'EE. 



.Mr. l-'rank I'xnee. township clerk of Burton tnwnship, was b(.irn in 
Howard county. Iowa. March ii, i'^57. Mis parents. John C. and Sarah 
(Bonov) Bcjvee, came to Genesee county in the spring of 1892, and made their 
home in Burton township, where the father died in May, 1895. 

Of tlie four children making up the faniil}' Frank is the only survi\-ing 
meml>er, the others dying when (|uite }oung. The parents left the state of 
Iowa in .\la\'. 1857. an<l remo\-ed U) the western part of Illinois, where they 
remained about seven years. They then came on to Oakland county. Michi- 
gan, where they were living as Frank grew up to manhood. He received his 
education in the common schools of the district and continued to work on the 
farm until reaching the age of t\vent\-fi\x'. During one winter he employed 
himself at school teaching', and then for i'nL' }ears he operated a general store 
near his home in Oakland county. Later he became engaged in operating a 
lumber and shingle uiill in Lapeer county, continuing at this for about two 
}ears. He then came to Bru^ton township, Genesee county, and here directed 
his attention tn gardening and the raising of sm;dl fruit. 1 le made this work 
quite a study and ac(|uired considerable knowdedge and .skill in developing the 
industrw In addition to this he became interested in the bridge business and 
for two \ears was a salesman on the road in that connection. Tn 1900 he 
directed his attention to the painting trade, and has been engaged in that 
work up to the prt'sent time. 

During those years he has adhered steadily to upright and reliable 
methods of doing business and has won the confidence and esteem of all with 
whom he has come in contact. 

Mr. r.oxee was married in Oakland county. Michigan, on Jul_\- 28, 
i88(), to .Miss Mary V.. Strator, who was born in McComb county. Michigan, 
and the daughter nf Gharles A. and .Martlia 1 West ) Strator. people of 
most excellent slamling in that communit\-. Mr. and .Mrs. Bovee are the 



35-' EIUGRAI'HICAL HISTORY 

parents of t\\ii children — Bertha Mae and Charles A. — and thev take great 
pleasure in trying to make for their children a home enx'ircinment that will 
develop in them the proper spirit of character and citizenship. 

]\Ir. Bovee has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs, realiz- 
ing the great need in the present age for a stmnd foundation upnn which to 
rear the structure of life. He held the office of school treasurer for six 
years and for se\'eral years filled the place of director. He was elected clerk 
of Burton township for the first time in the spring of 1897, ^iit^ ^'^^^ served 
almost continuousl}- e\-er since, his direct husiness methods winning the con- 
fidence and respect of the people. He takes an active interest in all affairs 
pertaining to the welfare of the puhlic. and does not hesitate to let his con- 
victions be known. He affiliates with the Republican party and is a mem- 
ber of the Burton Center (Grange) and of the Independent Order of Gleaners. 




MR. AXl) MUS. |-K[':I)I-:RICK I. RLRT. 



Mr. Fredrick J. Burt, overseer of the ( lenesee county poor farm, was 
l)(jrn ill Burton towiisliip. (ieiiesee count}-. Michigan. December 26, 1872. His 
parents, Fredriciv and ]\rargaret ((iraliam) Burt, were natives of Canada, and 
came to (jenesee county in iHCkj. The}- settled in Burton township, where 
they li\'ed until i(;oo. at which time thev remoxed to Tuscola count\-. where 
they still reside. They are engaged in farming" and are the parents of nine 
children, five sons and four daughters, of which family Fredrick was the 
second child. 

He was brought up nn the farm. ;ni(l thus earl_\- in life learned the rugged 
lessons afforded by that experience. He took advantage of all the education 
he could obtain in the common schools of the neighborhood, and later took a 
business course in the city of bdint. continuing there for two N'ears. Suli- 
sequently he Ijecame engineer at the Michigan school for the deaf, continuing 
in that work for some two \'ears. and during that time he demonstrated his 



abilitv to manage the work lioth economicallv and etifectivel 



Aside from 



this he has made farming his chief occupation, finding work in that field best 
suited to his tastes and desires, jireferring the independent atmosphere of 
the life on the farm to the restrictions of a business career. 

On March u. 1901. he was nianied at Omer. Arenac county. Michigan, 
to Miss Rosa (^irrie. born in Detroit, and the daughter of William ;in(l 
Catherine Gorrie. 

Mr. and .Mrs. JUirt are the ])arents of two children. Clouston .\. and 
flazeii (i.. and the jiarents are doing their liest to train them up in such a 
way as to make them useful members of society and state. 

Mr. Burt was a])])ointed overseer of the Cenesec countv ])oor farm in 



354 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

April, ]go6. This farm CDiisists df cnie hundred and ten acres, and is 
eqni])i)ed witli ^dud Iniildings and modern impri)\ements. It sustains on an 
a\'erage sixtv inmates, and these are well taken care nt and receive tlie mcist 
thoughtful and kindly attention. 

Xi) effort is spared U> make the institution a home of the must con- 
genial sort, and to make its occupants feel the influence of kindness and 
symiiath}'. At the same time the management is conducted on a stricth' 
economic and l,)usiness-like hasis. 

Mr. liurt takes an acti\e interest in all township una county affairs. He 
is a Reinihlican in politics, Init d<ies not jilace party ahme principle, taking at 
all times a hrm stand for just and S(|uare dealing in the administration of 
the people's affairs. 

^Irs. Burt has been a most excellent helper to her husband in the man- 
agement of the home, insisting at all times for a clean and sanitary condition 
of the institution. Thev are members of the Presl:>vterian church and are 
active workers for the cause. ]\Ir. Burt is a meml)er of the Masonic 
fraternity and has done much to promote the interests of the order in the 
county. He still retains considerable property interests in the city of Flint. 




REL'BEX A. CAR:MAX. 



]\Ir. Reuben A. Carman, a well-tD-do and liit^lily respected farmer of 
Burtiin tnwnsliip, Genesee cnnntv. was Ijorn in Lewiston. Niagara county, 
New York, July i6. i8_'5. I lis ])arents, Elijali and Jane (Mars) Carman, 
were natives of Xew Y<irk state. The}- came from Niagara county, New- 
York, to Oakland county, Michigan, in 1834. but li\ed there only one year, ' 
when they came to Genesee county and purchased eighty acres of wooded 
land in section twenty-five of Flint township, upon which they settled in the 
year 1835 and built the first Imuse that was erected in Flint township. Elijah 
Carman died .\ugust 30, 1840, when in his fortieth )-ear, and his wife de- 
parted this life March jo, 1870, aged sixty-eight x'ears. She was making her 
home with Reuben at the time of her death. Their family consisted of three 
chilflren. two sons and one daughter, another daughter having died at the 
age of foiu" years before the family left Xew York. The other son. Ira B., 
died in Mint township in 1843. Reuben was the eldest of the famih-, and is 
now' the onl\- sur\i\ing member. 

I le was ten years old when his parents settled in Flint township. He 
remained at home during the lifetime of his father, and up until liis marriage, 
at which time his mother made her home with him, coiuinuing to do so until 
her death. 



356 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

He was niarrieil in l'"lint tuwuship (in Xi_i\eml)er 23, 1S45, to ]\Iiss Mary 
Ann Brew, wlm was Ijorn in St. Lawrence count)-, Xew York, August 31, 
1826. Her parents were James and Xancv ( Frazier) Brew, wIki died in 
New York state. They were the parents of four children — Xancv. James, 
]\Iar}- Ann and William. 

Mary came to Genesee count)-, Michigan, in 1S44, and was married 
the following- year. She and iNIr. Carman made their home in Mint township 
until 1867. In December of that year they niade their home across the road 
from their former place, this move placing them in Burton township, and 
here they ha\-e since resided. 'Vhev celebrated their golden wedding in 1S95 
and their sixtieth anniversary in 1905. \'ery few of the older people of 
Genesee count)- can lay claim to such a long period of domestic union and 
happiness. Five children were born intt) the family. Eugene died of small- 
pox in 1873, aged twenty-six years. Emily A. died in 1S77. aged twenty- 
nine. Ella is the wife of F. W. Eisentrager, of Flint. The next child in the 
order of birth was Emma and then R. .\rthur, who died in 1900, at the age of' 
thirty-four. He was a practicing physician of some note in Saginaw countv, 
having been located there for three vears. 

Mr. and Mrs. Carman are faithful menil)ers of the First Baptist church 
of Flint, having become so in 1855. and for over forty-five years Mr. Car- 
man has been a deacon in the church, being an honorary deacon at the present 
time. He has held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years, 
and has always been identified with an)- movement in the communit)- whose 
purpose was to promote the general welfare. He keeps his fine farm of 
one hundred and twent)--three acres in excellent repair and in a prodncti\-e 
and pnifitable condition. 




SAMUEL R, ATHERTOX. 



'Mv. Charles C. Atherton was burn in Bnrtnn tuwnship .May 27, 1863. 
His father, the late Samuel R. Atherton. was a nati\e of Oakland county, 
this state, and after comins' to Genesee cuunty became a man i>f cnnsiderable 
prMminence in cuuntv affairs. Charles's nmther was Alary (Lloyd) Atherton, 
a native of Hendersun. Jefferson cnunty, New N'urk. She was married to 
Samuel R. Atherton at iSradner, WcmhI county. Ohio, on the 18th day of 
December, 1855. Thev came immediately to (ienesee county, Michigan, and 
settled on the farm nuw nwned by the subject i^i uur sketch, who inherited it 
a short time since. 

Mr. Samuel AtherldU was a man of considerable energy and ilrm con- 
victions, lie took an active interest in political affairs and adhered to the 
tenets of the Republican |):u-ly. His ability as a linancicr and his keen busi- 
ness insight soon attracted the attention of his neighbors, and in due time 
he became well known all over the county. .\s a result he was placed on 
the couutv ticket for treasurer and was easily elected. He discharged the 
duties of the office in an efficient and masterly way. giving general satis- 
faction throughout the term. He also served as president and treasurer lor 
many years of the Farmers" Mutual in>urance Company, besides putting in 
fi\-e \ears as townshi]) super\isor and ten \ears as township clerk prior to his 



358 BlOCiRAPHICAL HISTORY 

election as treasurer of the Cdunty. He alscj served a total period of six years 
as superintendent of the pimr of (lenesee county. Ijut these duties, as well as his 
farm work, did not deter him from acti\'e church work. He was deacon for 
many years of the First Baptist church df Mint. His tleath t(jok place April 
12, 1900, at the age of si-\t)-se\-en years. Charles's mother co-operated 
activel}- with her husband, in all his affairs, hut was especially interested in 
church work. She died at the oUl homesteatl, April 30, 1887, at the age of 
fifty-tw(j years. Two children were born of this union, but Charles C. is the 
onl_\' sur\-i\-()r, the other son, Lewis, ha\-ing died in infancy. Charles was an 
acti\"e and lively buy and shnwed an interest in bunks quite earlv in life. His 
desire for an education grew stronger as he advanced in boyhood, and he 
applied himself diligentl}' U> his studies. His school career continued until 
he had completed the high school course at hdint. He has devoted himself 
to farming, finding in that occupation not onh- profit and pleasiu'e, but also 
an opportunity to make scientific stucK- of the problems of the soil. He 
was married at Portland, ^ilichigan, on March 18, 1885, to Miss Phoebe 
Tyler Morehouse, of that city. ]\liss IMorehouse was the daughter of Japtha 
and Ph(ebe (Tyler) AIoreh(juse, who \vere well known and highly respected 
citizens of Portland. 

Mr. and Mrs. Atherton are the parents of two daughters, Josephine 
M. and Mary ITelen. The members of the family are people that feel their 
res])onsibilities as citizens of the communitv, and are ever willing to con- 
tribute their share of time and means to those things that make for the 
general good. They are efficient workers in the I-'irst Baptist chvu'ch rif Flint, 
and ^Ir. Atherton has for five years been a member of the board of trustees. 
He has also been identified with township affairs to a limited extent, having 
served for a term as township treasurer, and one term as justice of the peace. 
Only a visit to their home is needed to convince one of its spirit of thrift and 
good fellowship. Samuel R. was superintendent of the poor of Genesee 
countv at one time for two terms, making in all si.x vears. 




HON. H. H. PROSSER. 



Tlie H()nonil)le tl. 11. I'msser, nf Mushing, (ienesee cnuiily, Michigan. 
was born in Lansing, Michigan, March 13. 1870. His father, Ivlwin A. 
Pros,ser, was an active atturncy of Lansing. His niniher's niaiilen name was 
Esther A. Elsworth. These ])arents l)nih departed this life while living at 
South Lyons, in Oaklantl county. Their family consisted of three children, 
of whom our subject was the youngest, lie was educated at Lansing and at 
L\ons. recei\ing the best training that was a\ailable. lie was a bo\- of 
studious haljits and ])ossessed a liking for chemistr}' and science. He early 
studied ])harmacv in the .^tate I'niversity. and followed that business in differ- 
ent places for about nine vear^. In 1 Si;3 he came to Mushing, and has since 
made that jilace his home, lie was engaged in the drug business as clerk 
for some four \ears. Then for some time he engaged with J. K. Ottaway i& 
Compan^• in the h;i\' and ])roduce business. He is a man ol his word and. 
has the confidence and trust of ;dl who know him. His business methods 
have always been direct, and his grasp of general alfairs have lieen such as 
to win the esteem of friends and neighbors, and this friendl}' relation has 
ne\er been l)roken. 

In the fall of 11)04 he was selected as candidate for the state legislature 
from his district, and was elected to the office without difliculty. His service 



36o L!I0(;RAPHICAL historv 

in that lj<i(l\" was eminenth- satisfactory to liis C(_)nstitiients. and m igo(: he 
was again chosen tdr the place. His wide experience in pulitical aftairs liave 
attracted attentiim. and tlie verchct of the people is but an expression of their 
sanction uf his wurk in the capacity of a legislator. He affiliates with the 
Repul^lican part\', hut dcies not sacrifice ])rinciple for party. 

In lodge affairs, also, I\Ir. Prosser has shown a conspicuous interest. 
He is a member of the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows and other fraternal 
societies, and has done much to ]}romote the growth and progress of these or- 
ganizations. He has Ijeen a member of the Loyal Guard since its organiza- 
tion, and has Ijeen one of its most earnest champions in the communit}'. 

On Januar}- C), 1897, he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss \\'inifred 
Ottaway, who is a daughter of James E. Ottaway. Their domestic life has 
Ijeen a model of its kind, and their home bears testimony to their industry, 
care and economy. ]\Ir. I-'rosser finds in the people an enthusiastic body of 
friends, all of wliom beliexe in his abilitN" and integrit^•. In 1903 he was 
chosen as a deput}' of the Loyal (luard and has filled these duties both ex- 
peditiously and effectively. Recently he has become a thirty-second degree 
Alason, a memljer of the Mvstic Shrine and the Flint Comniandery. 




IIOX. [•KAXCIS H. UAXKIX. 



One of the most potent agencies in the shaping- df pnhhc thought and 
enterprise is the modern newspaper. It is the people's fciruin and its editorial 
utterances go far toward cultivating a wholesome spirit in our local and 
national citizenship, rrominent among the molders of thought in (_;enesee 
county is the place that has been filled by the "Wolverine Citizen," a clean, 
progressive and liright newspaper, published li}' Mim. h^-ancis H. Rankin. 
This paper was founded as a weekl}- in 1850. and was then known as the 
"Genesee \\ hig." It was lirst a si.x-cdlumn folin. bm has since been enlarged 
to a six-column (|uarto. l-'nr eighteen months during the C'i\il war it was 
conducted as a dail\\ and w iclilcd a great influence in behalf of the I'ederal 
cause. 

Mr. Rankin was born in the city of Mint <in December jS, 1S34. and 
has made this cit\- his permanent ])lace of residence. His father, brancis 11. 
Rankin, wIki departed this life sexen \ears agu, was a native of County Dnwn, 
Ireland, as was also his grandfather, Joseph Ivankin. The father was 
reared and educated in his nati\'e land, but came to America in 1848. He 
located immediateK' at I'nntiac. ?\lichig;ui, and there learned the printer's trade. 

He came tn blint in 1850 and for the remainder nf his days was an active 
factor in ])romoting the acKancement nf the ci immunity's interests. He estab- 



7,62 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

lislieiA the al3(j\e mentioned "(ienesee Whig" and at the time nf his death 
was not onl}- the oldest editor in tlie count}-, Init the one editor in the state 
.\-ho liad longest heUl control of a single pai)er. He was city clerk for a 
number of years, and for some time was a member of the city school board. 
From 1879 to 1887 he served as postmaster. In state affairs, also, he was 
called upon to represent the people, having ser\ed in the legislature, and 
from 1877 f'J 1879 was made a member of the state senate. During that 
time he was appointed one of three inspectors of the ]\Iichigan prisons bv 
(iox'ernor Crapo. He was at one time grand master of the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows and was grand representatixe to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge in 1873. He also attained the Ivnights Templar degree in the ]\Iasonic 
fraternity. 

He was married to ]\Iiss Arabella Hearn, who was born in County Log- 
ford, Ireland, and was a daughter of Re\'. Richard T. Hearn, an Episcopal 
clergyman. She was reared in her natixe land and acquired a liberal educa- 
tion. She has been a leader in the social and civic life of Flint, being one of 
the founders of the Ladies' Library, which was later merged into the "School 
Library and Scientific Institute." During the Ci\-il war she was one of the 
delegates to the soldiers' sanitar\' fair at Chicago as representati\e from the 
state of Michigan. Six children were I)orn to this union, of whom our suliject, 
Francis H., was the fourth. 

After attending the Flint schools until his fourteenth year Francis en- 
tered his father's office as a printer's devil. ?Iis father was a practical man, 
and, intending that his sou should learn the Ijusiness in a thorough manner, 
he forced him to start as he himself had begun — at the bottom of the ladder. 
He showed him no favciritism anil treated him in the same manner that he 
did his other employes. 

It was in 1870 that young Rankin first took his i)lace at one of the cases, 
and he worked as a compositor in the job room until 1881, when he took a 
half interest in the business. The "\\'(jlverine Citizen" was run as a daily 
])a])er for a period of six }-ears, but as the town was too small to support a 
daily paper, it was discontinuetl and published as a weekh". 

Mr. Rankin was married to Miss Caroline Fierce October 26. tSSi. She 
was born in Grand Blanc. Genesee county, and is a daughter of Silas Pierce, 
one of the old Xew England settlers of this locality. Mr. and Airs. Rankin 
have one child, whose name is Caroline Arabella. 



GENESEE COrX rW .MICIIK.AX. 363 

.Mr. Rankin is known tlin uiohc ml the state of Michigan as the supreme 
recorder of the Knights of tlie l.nyal (inanl. Jle was one of the nine Lusi- 
ness men of the city of Mint who (iriL^inaled and founded that order, which 
is a fraternal beneliciary co-ii])(.'rati\e insiu'ance society. It was founded upon 
entirely original and new plans, and started with a meiuhership of five hun- 
(h-ed Februarv 21. 1S95. Its growth has been steady and it is creating a 
strong reserve or emergency fund. The order is still growing, as its business- 
like methods appeal to business men, and its fraternal features to the younger 
generation seeking good, substantia! insurance. 

Mr. Rankin is serving his twelfth consecutive year as a member nf the 
board of education of l-'lint. and is treasurer of the board. He was president 
of the board two terms. 

After serving ten \-ears as a member of the boartl of control (jf the 
Alichigan school for the blind, by appointment of (iovernor Pingree and re- 
appointment bv governor I'.liss. he resigned during the current year to accept 
an appointment Ijy (Governor \\'arner as resident member of the board of 
trustees of the Michigan school for the deaf, located at Flint, of which 1)oard 
he is treasurer. He is also a member of the board of directors of the L'nion 
Trust and Savings Bank of l-'lint. and a member of the Clenesee Lodge, Free 
and Accepted Ma,sons ; Washington Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Genesee 
\'alley Commandery, Knights Templar, Michigan Sovereign Consistor}', 
Moslem Temple, ]Mystic Shrine, the Elks, Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum, 
Loyal Guard and Maccabees. 

W'e have brietlv placed liefore our readers a few of the facts bearing 
on the biography of one, who. though of foreign extraction, has grown to the 
fullest stature of an American patriot, and one whose life, influence and 
character are well wurthy the emulation of the generation that soon will be 
called upon to continue the superstructure so well begun. 



364 BKJCKAI'HICAL lllSTDRV 

GEORCK A'. P.L'TTOX. 

^[r. George \\ . Button, wlio has lieen fnr many years one of the most 
energetic farmers of Genesee county, is a natixe of Micliigan. His father, 
John H., was a nati\'e of Massachusetts, while his mother. Susan (I'utler) 
Button, was horn in Xew Ynvk state. Jolm H. Button emigrated frcim 
Massachusetts to Renns\"hania. and f n mi there to Xew York, Avliere he 
n])tained his wife, and tlien came on to Michigan. ]\Irs. Button ended her 
days at Farrington and Mi'. Button passed to rest while li\ing at I'dushing. 
He had l:>een a citizen of C(_)nsideral:ile iimminence. haxing ser\-ed in the state 
legislature when the capital was still at Detroit. He was also called upon to 
fill many local offices. Ble was a \Adhg. and later a Repuhlican. taking a 
decided stand at all times for a clean and upright discharge of all official and 
private duties. 

George spent his l:)o}diood days on the farm, remaining" at home until 
twenty years of age, receiving such education as the county schools afforded. 

After the Ci\-il war had hegun he enlisted in a Michigan compan)' and 
went out to defend the old flag. He was made sergeant at Pontiac and went 
forth in that capacity. He. with the regiment, was captured at Snodgrass 
Hill, ( hickamauga, ha\"ing in the meantime heen promoted to the second 
lieutenancy. A long period of prison life now kn- hefore him, and this brought 
him much regret, not that he cared so much for the exposure and hardship of 
his confinement, luit that it took him out of active service and deprived him 
of the privilege of taking- a hand in the raging conflict. At last he was paroled 
and transferred to the I'ederal lines. Following this he was sent to Annapolis, 
where he was gi\en a thirt}' da_\s' furlough. He then rejoined his regiment 
and was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was placed back with his 
old comjiany, remaining therewith until mustered out at the close of the war. 
During all these years of alternate hope and despondenc\- his ardent jiatriotic 
enthusiasm ne\-er lost its warmth, and his faith in ultimate xictor}- never 
wavered. The old colonel of the regiment was for man^• vears dean of the 
State I'ni versify at Ann Arljor. 

After the \var George returned to the old farm in Oakland countv and 
took charge. Rater he came on to Flushing and liecame engaged as a dealer 
in general merchandise, in company with his brother. James A. Button, 
present ]:)ostmaster. Fie next disposed of his Inisiness interests and went to 



(ii':.\i':si-:i-: col'Xt\\ .\iu iiicax. 365 

Kansas. !)ocniiiiii.s;- engaged tliere in sliee]) ranching', remaining several years. 
Tlie range being cut down In- the encrciachnients of settlers he closed out his 
business there and removed to another part of the state, coming back to 
Michigan a few }ears later. Since that time he has ojjerated his farm ad- 
joining the town of blushing, dexoling the major part of his time to the 
raising of high grade cattle. In tliis he has h;id singular success, owing 
largely to his skill iti the managing and the disposing of his herds. He also 
holds an interest in the local creamery. 

While at I'ontiac, Michigan. Mr. Ilutton was married to Delia Ami 
T'ier, of I'arrington, daughter of William H. and Margaretle Tier. At the 
Pier reunion, recently held at l-"lint. thirty-four of the descendants were gath- 
ered together. Mr. and Mrs. Button ha\e two children — Alice, who is the 
wife of Royal De Wolf, real estate broker at Ann .\rbor; and Fredrick, who is 
at home on the f;inu. 

Mr. lUitton is a staunch Republican, but has steadil\" refusetl to enter 
p<)litics, i)referring rather to de\'ote himself exclusively to his business interests. 




ZALA LIEEBE. 



Mv. Zala Beebe is a descendant of pioneers from New York state. His 
[)arents. Harvey and Mindrell (Guff) Beebe, were 1)oth Ijorn in New York, but 
came west to Oliio in i8t,('>. A year kiter the}- reino\'ed to Genesee county, 
Micliigan, and settled in (irand Blanc township. Blere tliey faced the prop- 
osition of turning some of the wilderness into a home, a task wliich so many 
of our n(i])le ancestors accompHslied. Mr. Beelae bought forty acres of wild 
land and set to work clearing awa}' the forest, and in a year or two the\- had 
about half of it under culti\-ation. His labijrs were cut oti' by his death, which 
occurred in the earlv '40s. 

Mrs. Beebe was afterward married to Peter Hempstead, who was also a 
pioneer in that vicinity. Soon after their marriage they removed to Mundy 
township, where the process of subduing the wilderness was again begun, 
this time resulting in the clearing and putting into good condition eighty 
acres of the virgin territory. On this farm 'Sirs. Hempstead lived until .\pril, 
1892. attaining the age of seventy-six years. She had two sons and one 
daughter Ijy her first husband, Ixit the daughter died when quite young. 
The two sons were Zala and Edmund. 

Zala was b<^rn in Grand Blanc township on October 2^. 1839. He was 
brought up on the farm in ?\Iundy township and recei\-ed such an education 



GENESEE COL'X IN'. MKIiK.AX, 367 

as the schools of the time afforded. He remained at liome until about sixteen 
\ears of age, and then went out from under the parental roof to hew and 
cru^ve his own path through the wilderness way. He was a hard worker, ever 
willing;' ti> jnu his slmulder to the wheel, and had no ditliculty in finding em- 
plcvment li\' the da\ (ir month, just as lie chose. He not onl_\- applied himself 
diligenth- to his work, hut he laid by a part of the ])roceeds of his labors, and 
in the course of about fo\n- \oars be managed to [jurchase some forty acres of 
land, which he set about to put into shape for cultivation. 

A short time after this the great Civil war clouil burst o\cr the country. 
yiv. Beebe had always felt a strong throb of patriotism within bis breast, 
and when the time came for the resp;;nse to his i)atriotic im])ulses he foresook 
the a\ and the plow and joined the troops for the front. 

Tn January, 1864, he enlisted in Battery E of the First Michigan Light 
Artillerx', and spent almost one and one-half ye;u"s in the service. His experi- 
ences in this service were not onl_\- exciting, InU were often attended with 
great peril and dangerous encounters. He was fortunate, however, in escap- 
ing serious mi.shap, and looks back now upon this era of his jiast with consid- 
erable ])ridc and satisfaction. 

.Mr. Ileebe was married on September 8, \S^i), to Aliss I'JKcbe F. Slaght, 
who was a native of Xew York state. She was the daughter of Matthias and 
^larv Jane ( Peterson) Slaght, who were also among the goodly company of 
pioneer settlers in Genesee county. All of their days were spent in Genesee 
countv. While on a visit to Rochester. Michigan, Mr. Slaght died and Mrs. 
Slaght returned to Mund\- township and made her home there until her death. 
Septeml)er io, 1893. 

.\fter returning from the war .\lr. Ileebe located on the land in Shindy 
towusbi]) that he hail purchased before going to the froiU, and for the next 
twent\'-eight \ears he a|)plicd himself to its culti\ation. During this time be 
succeeded in bringing the farm u]) to a well impro\ed state. His bard and 
steadv work resulted in good drainage, suljstantial buildings and other im- 
provements in ])ro])ortion. Tn T803 he removed to Flint, where he has since 
lived a retired life. 

Mr. and Mrs. I'.eebe ba\e been blessed with the following children: Mary 
Elizabeih. born on b^ebruary 7, t8C)0: Ella, born on b'ebruary 17, 18^)2: W'a\- 
ter. born on June 6, 1866: Julia, boi-n September i8, 1875. Their family 
records are herewith appended. 



368 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

]\Iary Elizabeth Beelje was married nn Novemljer i8, 1877, to Adelbert 
Storer, and tn this uiiinn were l)Lirn the following named children: John, 
ijorn September 25, 1879; Carrie. Ijurn Xovember 26, 1881 ; Zala, born De- 
cember 19. 1893, and Edward, born December 5. 1899. 

Ella Beebe was united in marriage on Octoljer 4. 1888, to A\'allace 
Covert. Not ha\-ing any ntTspring they are rearing an adopted child. Char- 
lotte Co\-ert. 

Walter Beebe was married to ]\lary Har\ey on July 31. 1893. Three 
children have graced this union. The eldest son A\as born on February 15. 
1894, and died on the 26th of the same miinth without having been named: 
De Etta was Ijorn on December 13, 1895: the third child. Walter, on June 
12, 1902. 

Julia Beebe was married on Xovember 30. 1893, to Herbert Biglow and 
has given birth to the following named children: Gertrude, born March 9, 
1896: Garriet, born June 30. 1S98: Glen, born on March 18. 1901. and died 
June 23, 1901 ; Harry was born on June 17, 1904. 

The Beebe home is at 1020 Ann Arbor street and their manv friends find 
here at all times an atmosphere that is both hospitable and congenial. 





REV. EDCAR RANDALL. 



In llic person of Rev. Edgar Randall, pastor of the Grand Blanc Baptist 
church, we ha\-e a good representative of that noble and self-sacrificing body 
of men wln) have done so much by precept and example to build up the sturdy 
citizenship of our fair land. Perhaps no one other class of citizens has done 
greater service to the state and country than the loyal and fearless preachers 
of the flospel. They have been men that have faced privations and endured 
hardships, yet ha\e adhered unswcrxingly to the narrow path that leads 
onward and upward to peace and to \'ictorv. 

l\c\ . Randall was born in Tekonsha. Calhoun county, Michigan, on 
b'ebruary 21, 1S44. His father, (iilbert Randall, was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. He was an upright and industrious citizen, and a man of firm convic- 
tions. JIc died in the same month and year in which Edgar was born, aged 
twenty-nine years. Edgar's mother. .\lma (Howe) Randall, died in Calhoun 
county, .Michigan, in 1890, ha\ing passed beyond her seventieth year. She 
was the mother of four sons, of whom Edgar was the youngest. He was 
reared to manhood in Calhoun county and underwent the usual experiences 
incident to the life of the times, lie received his elementar\' education in the 
Tekonsha schools, but he soon concluded to carr}- his training as much further 
as was possible. W'c therefore find him continuing his education bv taking a 
24 



3/0 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

special cuurse at Hillsdale College. ]\.Iicliig"an. He was an ardent student 
and applied himself industriously to his work, and this characteristic has been 
one of his distinguishing marks thrDUghdnt his life. 

For aljout fifteen years prior to entering the ministry Mr. Randall was 
eng'a-ged in the profession of teaching, and therein' gained \-aluable experience 
in the study nf human nature, as well as acquiring a broad and deep sympathy 
for childhood. He was ordained as pastnr of the Cirand Blanc Baptist church 
in iSjq and has since continued ser\ice there in that capacity. He is among 
the oldest pastors in the state of [Michigan, and has made a recnrd fur ser\-ice. 
faithfulness and lo}-alty that is hard to excel. 

\\'hen the great ci\'il strife btu"St oyer the land he enlisted in Cumpany E 
of the First Regiment df the ]\Iichigan X'olunteer Infantry. He entered intu 
the CI inflict with his usual zeal and yigor, lint after sixteen months of serx'ice 
was seyerely wounded at the second battle of Bull Run. and on account of 
this was discharged from the seryice. He was reluctant to retire and would 
not lia\e done so had he been able in any way to ha\e retained his place in 
the ranks. 

He is a member of the Ceneral Crapo Post. Crand Army of the Repulilic. 
and takes a leading" part in all efforts made by that and kindred organizations 
to keep ali\'e the spirit of ]:)atrii:)tism and \oye for the flag. 

Air. Ixandall was first married at Teknn.slKi. [Michigan, tij [Miss Loretta 
Riigers. wliii died at Burlington. [Michigan. Fie was again married, this time 
in Burlington tnwnshi]), t<i [Mar\- Engle. wlm was burn in Callniun countx", 
[Michigan. His life and acti\'ities haye been such that he will long be re- 
membered after passing to his reward. 




ALEXAXDER .McCALL. 

lln.L;'li .McC/all. 3 ye:irs nld 

One o\ the nidsl ]M'(i^ressi\e as well as (ililigin;;' undertakers of the county 
is Mr. .Vlexander McCall. of drand FJlanc. He was born at Alumford. Mon- 
roe county, Xew \'ork. Octohei- 13. i!^30. Elis parents. Hugh and ]\Iaiy 
(Blue) ^IcCall. were also nati\es of Xew \'ork. Hugh McCall was born in 
]\Iontgomer\' countv. Xew ^'ork. in 1810. and reached the advanced age of 
ninet\'-one vears. ba\ing li\ed mitil December (>. 1901. His first wife, 
mother of Alexander, died in Onondaga county, Xew York, in 1864. He 
afterward marrieil Mrs. Sophia W'ilber. who, also, at an advanced age. sur- 
\i\es her husband. In coming west in 1S68 he settled in Mundy township, 
Cienesee county, and later reino\ed to (irand lUanc, where he operated a 
harness and shoe sho]). 

Alexander was the eldest of a family of eleven children and li\ed in 
^^umford. Xew ^ ork, until he was eleven vears old, at which age he rem(.i\ed 
with his parents to Onondaga county, same state. Here he lived until TS65. 
being engaged in farming. 1^'ollowing this he spent about a year in the oil 
regions of l'enns\ l\ ania. after which he came to Detroit, spending about one 
year there in carjientrx' wurk. He next mo\ ed to (ienesee county. ^lichigan, 
where he purchased a farm in (irand Blanc township in b^ebruary. 1867. For 
the next seven years he coutinued operating the farm and ,-it the expiration of 
that time disposed of it at a good jjrice. He then spent a few months in 
Detroit ami \icinitv. working at his old trade of car])entry. I'oUowing this 
he returned to ( .I'and I'.lanc and purchased a half interest in the wagon l)usi- 
ness, with William IClliot as a partner. He was thus employed for about 
twi) vears, during which time 1ie became engaged in the undertaking business 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

in Grand Blanc, and since that date, 1877, lias continued at that work. In 
connection with liis regular line as undertaker Mr. McCall has also for twelve 
years handled hardware and implements, starting in 1879 the first hardware 
store in the town of Grand Blanc. His business methods are such as to win the 
confidence and esteem of all wIid know him, and he has reached a place of 
hig'h standing in the community both as a business man and as a citizen. 

Air. McCall was first married to Miss Mary A. Stewart in ^vlonroe county, 
New York, and she later departed this life while they were living in Onondaga, 
county, same state. His next marriage was to Miss Clara E. Thompson, of 
Grand Blanc, Michigan, \\'ho later also passed to her rest. Caroline ( Chapin) 
McCall, his present wife, was the daughter of Barton B. and Lucy (Bur- 
bank) Chapin. Caroline was born at Coldwater, Michigan, October 31, 1S56. 
Her father was born in Xew York state in 1809 and came to Genesee county, 
Michigan, early in the summer of 1834. Her mother, the above mentioned 
Lucy (Burbank) Chapin, was born in Washington county. New York, and 
was married to Mr. Chapin after coming to Genesee county, Alichigan. Bar- 
ton B. Chapin's father, Chauncey Chapin. was one of the very earliest pioneers 
of Genesee countv. His wife's maiden name was Hannah Palmer, and both 
she and her husband ended their days in Grand Blanc township, Mr. Chapin 
acquiring the age of eighty-eight years. Barton B. was the father of six 
children, of whom Mrs. AlcCall is the youngest. ]\Ir. and Mrs. McCall are 
the parents of one son, Hugh C. McCall. 

Mr. McCall has held the office of justice of the peace for four years. He 
is a Republican and has taken an active part in the political afifairs of the 
county, often serving as delegate to the various conventions, taking a stand 
always for fair dealings and an honest administration of public business. 

He is a member of the ]\Iasonic fraternity and belongs to the Flint Lodge, 
No. 23, having been a member of the order since 1862. 






s. 



HOX. JAMES BARTON WALKER. 



374 



BIOGRAPHICAL H1S'^()R^■ 



Hdii. James Bart(in Walker was ]>(<vu in the town ui Locke (now" Summer- 
hill ) in Cax'uga county. New Vurk. September 12. 1812. He was the 
seventh son in a family of ten chililren. L'ntil he was twent}--one years of 
age his lime was spent on his father's farm, performing- the \-arious duties to 
which the sons of not wealthy farmers of those days were suljject, and afforded 
Imt meager apportunity for mental culture. Being a diligent scholar, how- 
e\"er, he succeeded in acquiring what was considered in those days a good 
common school cilucatioii. which was su])plcmented h}- some study in Court- 
land Academy. On arriving at the age (_)f manhood he engaged in school 
teaching for two vears, when he left his native state, and in June, 1836, liccame 
a resident of hdint, which was then a mere hamlet. 

Mr. Walker was engaged as clerk in the lirst dry goods store opened in 
the eml)r\-o cit\', the proprietors of which were Messrs. Beach and Wesson, 
where he worke<l one year; when he became agent for Hon. C. S. Payne, and 
subsequentlv clerk for H. M. Henderson. In 1S3S he built a store on the 
north side of the river in the tirst ward, filled it with general merchandise 
and continued in the mercantile business there until the fall of 1S4J, when, 
having l)uilt a store on the corner of Saginaw and Kearsley streets, he re- 
moved his mercantile business to that place, where he continued in general 
merchandise imtil 1858, being twice burned out, reliuilding each time. 

In 1840 he married ]Miss Almira Simpson, of Caledonia, Xew York, who, 
with their daughter Anna, Airs. .\. D. Aldiool, surxived him. In 1834 Mr, 
Walker succeeded General C. C. Ha.scall as trustee of Michigan asylums; and 
in 1S57 he was appointed by the governor acting commissioner to superin- 
tend the construction of the asylum for the deaf, dumb and blind at Flint. 

In the spring of 1858 he discontinued his mercantile business and devoted 
his whole time and energ}- to the ar<luous duties of trustee and acting com- 
missioner, which he continued to fuUill with great ;ind recognized fidelity to 
the interests of the state and the institution until the buildings were completed 
and the institution under his management fully established wdien, in 1873, he 
resigned his official trust to Governor Ba.gley. 

Mr. Walker was elected mayor of the city for 1870-71, and during his 
term of office manifested his characteri.stic calm judgment and energetic 
force. It was during his administration that the first pavement of Saginaw^ 
street was accomplished, the most valuable public improvement eff'ected in 
the grow'ing city, .\lways enterprising and jnililic-spirited Air. Walker en- 



CI-.XF.SF.F. r()l"X'r\\ MICIIKiAX. 



375 



lered zealmisK' into the (ii",L;anizatiiMi nf assuciatiniis lor tl:e i)ul)lic prosperity. 
He was one nf tlie iiris;iiial founders of Si. Paul's l^pisci i|);il cliuirh. and tor 
iiiain- \'eai"s one of its wardens, lie was one o| the fonnders ol the Mint 
Cit\- (las Li.i^ht C'oni]>any and the ' ienesee County Sa\iii.i;s liank. of which he 
was president from its orj^anization until liis death. lie jjassed from the 
scenes of earth .\oveniher 13. \XjJ. a.s^ed si.\ty-ti\-e years, llis only child. 
Mrs. .\. 1). Alcfool. died l-'ehrnarv 1, kjoj. leavin.i;- no issue. 




COL. EDW.VKD H. 'J'HO.MSOX. 



Edward Hughes TliDmson was born at Kendal, in tlie lake ccnintrv, 
Westmoreland, England, June 15, iSio. His ]iarents were Edward Hughes 
and Alar_\- Thomson, his wife. His mother died while he was quite young, 
and his name was transposed to Edward Huglies Thomson. His father, who 
was Englisli liurn, moved to Boston. Massachusetts', while the subject 
I if this sketch was a small bo}-. When he had reached the proper age he 
was sent to school at the academy at AA'hite I'lains, Xew York, for several 
}"ears. Later he sailed before the mast for two years, but then deciding to 
educate himself for the law he entered the law office of ]\Iillard. Fillmore at 
Buffalo. When he was twenty-two years old, ha\ing been duly admitted to the 
bar, he located at Buffalo, but soim removed to Cle\-eland, Ohio. In 1836-37 
^Michigan received a large number of immigrants from other states, and among 
them was Colonel Thomson, who reached this state in the spring of 1837 
and located in Atlas, which was then a part of Lapeer county. 

■ Governor Stevens G. Mason. Michigan's first governor, appointed ]\Ir. 
Thomson prosecuting attorney of Lapeer county. He remained there but 
one year, however, when he reiuii\ed to I-'lint and entered into a law part- 
nership with John Bartow, who was then registrar of the United States land 
I iffice at I'lint. 

Among the first lawvers who came to the little town of Flint were 'Mr. 



(,i':.\i':si':i': a)Lxr\'. air iik-ax. ij-j 

Rutj.t;' ami Juliii llarlnw. expi'riciiced. al)le lawyers, coniini;' f ri iiii ditTerent 
localities, hut with a kimlreil purpose, to escape the iuHueuce of coin'ivialitv. 
which at that time permeated all classes iu older settlemeuts. Men of liheral 
education, with culture and reliuement; gracious and urliane in manner, they 
gave a tone and trend tn legal ])ractice quite unusual in small towns, where 
generally the pettifo.gger, with little knowledge of l;i\\ and less of gener;d cul- 
tin"e. ilmught the m.an wlm cnuM use the must ahusixe language t<i his iip])i)- 
nenl in the case was the hest law \er. 

A little later came W'illirmi M. i'"euton and l.exi W alker. men with pro- 
fiiund knowled.ge of law and gentle, dignified manner: so that it happened 
early h'lint largely escaped the hlatant lawyers. 

In iS43-4f) Mr. Tlinmson was ]jrosecuting attnrney for (jenesee county. 
In 1N47 he was elected to the state senate, his district embracing Genesee, 
Oakland. Laiieer, Shiawassee, Saginaw and I'uscnla counties, and also the 
entire u])per peninsula. He was the father of the hill which ])r(>\i(led for the 
locatiiiu iif the institutinn fcjr the deaf, dumh .and l)lind in h'lint. and the in- 
sane asylum in Kalamazoo. By his activity in the advocacy of a foreign emi- 
gration jjill he attracted the fa\orrdile notice of Governor Ransom, and was 
appointed state immigration agent, with headquarters at Xew York city. 
Subse(|uently his head(|uarters were changed to Sttitgart. (iermany, and h_\- 
his indefatigable efforts he was directly respunsible for the reni'i\-al of (i\-er 
twenty thousand hard-working Germans to the state. 

When the war nf the Rebellion Ijroke out Governor Blair appointed him 
a member of the slate military hcxird, and later Golonel 'I'homson was made 
the prcsiilent of the board. 

With all his busy life he always found ample time tn cultivate the graces 
cif 'ifc, and as a social, genial, gentleman was belii\cd b}' a host of friends, 
lie was a ri])e Shakespearean scholar, and his magnificent Shakespearean 
library, which now, through the munificence of the late James McMillan, 
graces the L'ni\crsii\- uf Michigan, is one of the tinest ].)ri\-ate collections ever 
made in the central states. In 1878-9 Colonel 'rhumsun ser\cd the city of 
Flint as its mayor. He died February 2, 1886. He was twice married. His 
first wife was Miss Mary Bemis. of Buffalo, Xew York, by wlmm he had one 
daughter, Alary, afterward Airs. .\. V,. W'itherbee. and sun. Juhn R. Thcim- 
son. In 1840 he married Aliss Sarah Teresa Bush, df l-'lint. by w In mi he had 



i,j8 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

une son. Edward H. 'rhunisnii. Jr.. wild died Xoxemljer i, iS8y, Juliii R. 
lia\-ino' died some \'ears liefure. 



:MRS. SARAH TERESA THO.MSOX. 

Mrs. Sarah Teresa Thomson, wife of Colonel E. H. 'idiomson. was 
born Jul}- 19. 1818, at Brighton (near Rochester), Xew York state. Her 
parents. David and Laura .\. Bush, were of staunch sturd}- .\ew England stock. 
She inherited from her father a character almost rugged in its straight- 
forward u])riglUuess. She enjo\-ed a course of studv in Lero\' I Xew York) 
Female .Seminary under the tutelage of Mrs. Ingham Stouton. an eminent in- 
structress of }'oung women. This was one of the earh' schoiils affording ad- 
\'anced education to wduien. 

In iN.ifi her father remoxed with his family from Rochester to Shia- 
wassee count}-. .Michigan, and fron-i thence Mrs. Thomson made her w av to 
I'lint. where she opened a scl-|i-)ol for \-oung- ladies. 

For nearh- hft-\- \-ears she li\-e(l in l<dii-it, and all this time she w-as more 
or less a teacher in P.iblical and historical studies, continual!}- diffusing an 
atmosphere ijf intelligence, culture and dexout religious thoughts. In 1840 
she was married to l-'dward H. Tliomson. and at once her home hecame the 
center of the social life of the growing citv. \\ ithout (|uestion no ]3erson has 
e.xerted more heneficent and widefelt inthience upon the communit}-. She was 
forem.ost in exer}- eflort of eilucation and uplift to others; foremost in every 
good w-i.>rd and w-ork for hene\-olence and heljifulness. 

Her grand nati\e intelligence, ei-iriclied ])\ broad culture and extended 
travel, together with a hcime filled with rare books and treasures of art, were 
ever freely and readil}- used for the pleasure and profit of all w-ho sought. 

Perhaps her most distinguishing characteristic was her sympathetic na- 
ture — a heart large enough to feel for all suft'ering, far-reaching in its ten- 
dernes.s — even like the di\-ine pitv. Thus, as a necessity, she became a shelter, 
a sup]5ort. a defender to the sick, the helpless, the friendless. 

Tn full measure she had that large-heartedness that could wee]) with 
those that wepX and rejoice with those that rejoiced. 



e^EXESiiE c■()l•\■■^^•. miciiic.w. 379 

■"When the car licaril licr than it blessed hei"; 
W hen the e_\e saw her it i;a\e witness t'l her. 
liceause she delivered the ])nnv that cried; 
The fatlierless. alsn. that had nmie to helij him. 
The l)]essiiig' of him that was ready tn perish came upon her; 
And she caused the widnw's heart tn sini;' fur joy. 
She put on righteousness and it clothed her; 

Her justice was as a robe rnul a diadem. 
She was eyes t<") the Mind and feet was she to the lame. 
She was a mother to the neeih-; 
And the course she knew not she searched not." 

!\[rs. Tliomson died on Easter dav. .\pril lo, 1887. She was sur\-ived 
by a son, Edward H. Thomson. Jr.. who died the following" year. 







IRA T. SAYRE. 

Ira T. Sayre was Ijorn al Hector, Schuyler county, Xew York. March 
6. 1858. His father, Augustus Sayre, is a descendant of Thomas Sayre, who 
settled at Southampton, Long Island, in 1639. At the present day may still 
be seen the house, built by him in 1648, a \enerable landmark of early da}-s. 
being the oldest English fraine liDUse in America. Da^•id Halsey Sayre, 
father of Augustus, was born in this old homestead, and came to Seneca 
count}% Xew York, in 1804. Augustus Sa}-re came to Genesee county, 
Alichigan, in company with his brother, Thomas, in 1850, and settled on the 
farm near Flushing, now owned by Ira 'W Sayre. In 1854 he returned to 
Xew York, was there married in 1856 and then came back to Flushing. Here 
he spent most of the time from then cm. Ijarring a few short periods at Red- 
lands, California. The wife of Augustus was Sarah E. Terry, daughter of 
Xathaniel Terry. <if Chester. X'ew Jersey, a descendant of Richard Terry, who 
settled at Southold, Lung Island, in 1639. X'athaniel Terry's grandfather, 
Richard Terry, emigrated to Chester, Xew Jersey. X^athaniel came to Hector, 
Xew \ ork, in 1821, where Sarah, as stated above, was born. Augustus and 
Sarah Sa^re are still li^■ing at Flushing, after fifty-one years of domestic 
felicit\". Their famil\- consisted of Ira T., our subject: Franklin P.. an at- 



GEXESEE CO^^"l"^'. MICHKi.W. 381 

torney at Elushingv; and Julia .M., who dicil at the age of ihiny-lhree at 
Ivedlaiuls, L'ahfdniia. being the wife nf Archiliakl E. Ball. 

Ira T. aci|uiied his education at the Michigan Agricultural College, and 
in. addition studied law at the State L'nivcrsity. He was admitted to the bar 
before the supreme court in 1S81. and immedialel}' began the practice of his 
profession, and has continued in it ever since, co\-ering a period of over 
t\\enl\--li\e years. In addition in his law ])raclice he is engaged in farming, 
being associated with his brother. I'^rank. in tilling five Iiundred acres of land 
in l-'lushing township. 

He is also interested in pine lands in Alichigan. (Jregon and Louisiana. 
In the latter state he is secretary and treasurer of the Evart Lumber C.om- 
panv (Ll'd. ), having mills at Evart. Ijjuisiana. He is also interested in 
b.-uiking. being president of the People's ijank at Elushing, Michigan, and at 
Leroy, Osceola county, Michigan. He is also a stockholder in banks at Mont- 
rose, Swartz Creek, Evart and Coleman, Michigan, and Raymondville Texas. 

Mr. .'^a\re began his career in politics at the age of si.xteen. Lie was 
made townsln']) clerk in 1882. and served also as village clerk for eight cir nine 
years. In 1893 Governor Rich appointed him on the board of control of the 
state industrial school, Lansing. He served in that capacity until elected to the 
state senate in 1898 for the regular term of iS9<). He sen-ed also in the 
special sessions of 1899 and 1900. He was appointed a member of the l)oard 
of tax commissioners by Governor Bliss in 1901, serving for four years, and 
was ;i member of the board making the first advalorem assessment of the rail- 
road properties of a state as a single property in the L'nited States. This as- 
sessment produced a tax of more than three million dollars, increasing the 
tax by one-half over what the railroads had paid upon a specified tax-paying 
basis. 

On August 5. 7884. Mr, .Sayre was married to Julia E. Niles, daughter 
of Franklin A. and Mary (Turner) Xiles. They are the parents of three 
children — Helen Lorraine, aged si.xteen : and Sidney Estelle and Frank Xiles, 




GEORCIE C. .MYERS. 



Air. (ieorge C. Alyers, supervisor nt Burton township, was liurn in Ot- 
sego countv, Xew York, Jul\- lo, 1863. His parents, George L. and Nancy 
( Sommers) Ahers, were Ijoth nati\es of Xew York state, the latter dying in 
Otsego countv Xeneniber 19, 18O4. The father was married this time to 
Miss T^iiie \\eller, who was also taken from him while they were still living 
in Xew York. His third marriage was to Lucy Sommers, sister of his first 
wife, and she .still survives. In April, 1867, (Ieorge L. came to Genesee 
countv. Michigan, and settled upon an eighty-acre farm in Burton township, 
which was at that time hut partially improved. He soon made great changes 
in the farm, and brought it under a fine state of cultivation. He ended his 
(lavs on this homestead and answered to the last summons [March 20, 1890, 
liaving attained the age of sixty-eight years. 

There were eight children jjorn of his first union, four sons and four 
daughters, our subject, George C, being the )-oungest of the family. George 
was about four rears old when his father emigrated from Xew York to 
Genesee countv, ^Michigan. He was reared on the farm and received the 
major part of his education in the common schools of the ti.^vnship. For one 
year, however, he attended the Flint high school, and was thus enabled to 
equip himself sufficiently to make genera! advancement through his own in- 



(ii':.\"i-:sJii': colxiw mhiik.ax. 383 

(lixiilual elhirts ami aniliilimi. lie has ilevnied himself chiefly to lanning. 
and is at prcseiU the owner of ah; ait i>ne hnndred and twentv acres oi well 
imprDved and excellently farmed land. On March 14. 1H84, he was married 
in ( Irand Tilanc townslii]:). to Miss Carrie h". I'-stcs. w ho was born in Burton 
liiwnshii), hein.tj- the dau,t;iiter of Peter 1). and L(i\ina ( Merrill) Estes, promi- 
nent residents nf thai lucality. and |)Ci>p!e wlm lia\e always lieen identified with 
the prcii^ressixe elements of the commnnitw 

Mr. and Mrs. ]\lyers have become the parents of four children. \iz. : 
Raymon K., Tdenn 11.. I'cru .\. and Ruth E. They ha\e taken great pride 
in their home life, and have endeavored to surround their children with 
wholesome and u])Iii^htiny influences. 

.Mr. M\ers has held the office of supervisor for two x'ears. and has dis- 
charg'ed his duties in a most commendable fashion, serving his second term. 
Eor one term he was made justice of the peace and also served two terms as 
township treasurer. He is a man that goes actix'eh" into the county and town- 
shi[) affairs and is alwa\s reach' with an intelligent \'iew on (|uestions relating 
to the general welfare of the iiublic. T^^is acti^•ities ha\e always been identi- 
fied with the Re]nililican i)art\". but he belie\es first of all in g'i\"ing the i>eo- 
]>]e a "sciuare deal." 

Mr. and Mrs. Ah'ers are in\alual)le memljers of the Methodist church, 
in which Mr. .M\ers has held such offices as that of trustee, steward and 
Sunda\' school superintendent. He is alwaA's ready to hel]) ont both by counsel 
and In- work, nex'cr shirking a dutv that devolves u])on him. He is also a 
member of the lUirton Center (irange, Xo. 1072, and the Cileaners .\rbor. 
Xo. _'70. 




ROBERT P. AITKEX. 



Rnbert P. Aitken was Ijorn in 1819 in IMuntgomery (now Fulton) 
county, state oi Xew Vcjrk. of Scotch descent, his mother's maiden name being 
Chahners, and the grandmother's on the mother's side being Stewart, claim- 
ing kinship to "Royal Charlie" of Scotland; but, as Air, Aitken was a staunch 
Republican, he claimed no preferment on that account. 

At the age of seventeen he went to the city of Xew York and served as 
clerk six years, having by strict economy saved a few hundred dollars. See- 
ing little chance for a young man having a small capital to commence in busi- 
ness in a large city he decided to try his fortunes in the west. Accordingly, 
in the autumn of 1842 he started for the then small town of Flint, in the 
state of Michigan, taking with liim a small stock of merchandise. Owing to 
the extreme scarcity of money he exchanged a portion of his goods for eighty 
acres of wild land on section 8 in the town of Flint, and forthwith went to 
work improving it. On the iJth of IMarch fcillowing he was married to 
Miss Sarah J. Johnstone, who. with her father's family, had preceded him 
from X'ew York city only a few months. Miss Johnstone was born in the 
ciyt of X'ew York in the year 1823, and up to this time had never spent much 
time in the countr}- ; Ijut a board shanty was speedily erected on this land of 
their own, and together they commenced under new auspices, the journev of 
life. Many privations had to be endured, but their farm increased to two hun- 
dred and twenty acres, practically all being improved. Anv success or 
improvement may be set down as the result of constant laljor. Thev raised 
a family of ten children — iive sons and live daughters — of whom two sons 
and four daughters only now sur\-ive. 



(ii':.\i';si';i': coixiN', mkiiicax. 385 

Besides liavinj^ improved a large farm, mainly by his own hands. Mr. 
Aitl<en served his township as ^uiJervisor ihirly-one years, twenly-one years 
conseciiti\-elv. and his district in the state le,g'islatin-c foin- years. 

lie was recoi^nized as antlioril}- 1)\- his neii^-hhors for miles around, drew 
their wills, their deeds, iheii' niorttjages and other ciiiasi lei^al papers, and was 
their recognized authority and confidenlia] adxisor in matters of private 
concern. 

He recei\e<l in hi^ \outh ;i good common school education, which was 
improNcd upon while clerking in the city oi Xew ^ ork. and hy constant read- 
ing and acti\e interest in puhlic alTairs he became in middle life not only one 
of the best scholars, but one of the best informed men in ( ienesee county. 
He was fond oi music, as was Mrs. .\itken. They owned the fust musical 
instrument that was owned in the township of I'linl — a melodion. He took 
much interest in his immediate social lelations among the farmers of his 
township, instituted and taught a singing and spelling school during several 
winters in the district schoolhouse. 

Mr. and Mrs. .\itken were members of St. Paul's F,])isco|)al church in the 
cil\' of hdint. and their marriage was the first marriage sokinni/.ed in St. 
Paul's parish. 'rhe\- not oid\- taught their children, but by precept and 
e.xample taught the doctrine that tu do right because it was right to tlo it, 
was the best evidence of true religion, and that cleanliness in character and 
habit was next to godliness. 

Mrs. Aitken died in i8S6, aged sixt_\'-three _\ears. on the farm where 
fortv years Ijefore she had taken up life's marital relatiotis. and where her 
children had been born, and in 11)05 Robert 1'. Aitken died on the same farm 
where, sixty-three years before, he had cleared away the linish to erect the 
board shantv for himself and bride. The e\'olution from the board shanty 
to the Ijeautiful farm home is exidenced by the picture of the house that was 
constructed on that farm in 18(13. and that farm that was. when first visited 
b\' Robert P. .\itken. a wilderness, is now ;i beautful and fertile farm with 
practicalh- e\er\' acre under the highest slate of cultivation with beautiful 
buildings kept up :md maintained by the children of the man and woman 
whose courage and industrx' were emblematical of the earl\- ])ioneers. 

Pobert P. .\itken lived an active life. He did active service in jiublic and 
jjrivate walks. I-'rom the time he left the stony hills of ^b)ntgonlery county 
in Xew ^"ork until his death, a i)erio(l of nearlv sexxntv vears. his life was 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

an unceasing- inilustriDus effort, wliether laljuring for himself and his family, 
his neighhors or fur the public, industry and perseverance characterized his 
C( induct, and if any man has ever lived who could claim the credit of having 
caused two blades of grass to grow where but one grew before. Robert P. 
Aitken was the man. 






I). G. COLWELL 



FRANK E. HALL. 




LI'.OXARI) l-REEMAX. 





CHARLES BAKER. 



GEORGE R. HO\\"E. 




CHARLES G. HUGHES. 



(;i':\i':si':i'; ioixtn', mkiik.ax. 389 

.\iiciii(;a\ sciiooi. i'ok riii''. \)\-..\h\ 

The educational acliieveiiieiUs nf tlie state of Michigan have l)ceu the 
])ri(le of its citizens for manv rears and the oljject of a(hniration on the part 
of lier sister states tlii-oni;-li( ml ihe union. Her eihicational system is amonj;- 
tiie best, and nian\- of her stale insliuitions arc unexcelleil anywhere, .\niong 
tliese is the .Michigan state sciiool for the deaf, located at i'dinl. '{"he citizens 
of Genesee countv n.iay well feel prcjud o\er hasing in their midst a school 
of such high character. Its success and standing has largely been brought 
about 1)v its able su|(erintendent, .Mr. b'rancis D. Clark, and the efficient corjjs 
of instructors that he has gathered into his organization. I'\ir the benefit of 
our readers and with the hope of encouraging the alreatly generous appre- 
ciation of the work of the school, we give here copious extracts and adapta- 
tions from the twent}'-se\'enth Ijiennial report of the board of trustees for the 
years 1905 and 1906: 

nni.Dixcs .\xi) crolwds. 

Idle Michigan school for the deaf is situated in the fourth ward of the 
city of I-dint. W'e.st Court street leading directly up i" the princi])al entrance. 
The situation, on tlie highest ])art of a ridge of land, washed on three sides 
l)v rapid streams, furnishes most excellent drainage, while the grounds of the 
school, by a wise forethought in retaining the original growth of hardwood 
trees, and ])\ judicious expenditures from tiiue to time, are \er}' ])eautiful. 

The state owns here two hundred and sixt\'-eight acres: aliout thirty 
acres are covered b\- the buildings, or used as lawns, playgrounds, etc. The 
remainder is clevoted to the maintenance of a large herd of choice cattle, whose 
abundant milk su].)])lies all the needs of the school. 

Tlie buildings consist of a front building and running back from it 
three wings, which are connected at the rear, and joined to the old scln^ol 
building" bv corridors. This schodl building is the oldest one here. I'ossiljly 
when first built it was admirablv planned to accommodate both the deaf and 
the blind, iiut the remo\al of the blind to Lansing and the ])iling of other 
buildings around it ha\-e combined to change the uses for which it was in- 
tended, and t(T render some of its rooms ver\- dark and entirely unfit for school- 
rooms, but it is well \eiuilated and warmed and makes an admirable doriui- 
torv. for which it is now used exclusively, except three or four workrooms in 



390 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

the luisement, where cl(jthing is snrted and iiieiKled as it comes from the 
launch"}'. 

The front building, with the state coat of arms high in the air, and a 
great carved wooden eagle o\-er all. is a fair sample of the best architecture of 
fift\' years ago. Standing in fmnt of it, all that part of the main buildings 
to vour right is devoted to the lio}s, ;nid (m the left to the girls. The basement 
of this building is taken up mostly l)y the heating aj^paratus, bathrooms anti the 
parlor for the domestics. This building has three floors and furnishes space 
for office rooms. dormit(jr}- and hospital, while the wings are used for bath 
and study rcjoms. 

What is known as the "new building." because it was built many years 
after the main Iniilding. is connected by a twn-story covered corridor with 
the east wing. In its basement, which is entirely above ground, light, airy 
and well heateil and ventilated, are the ])upils' dining room, kitchen, store- 
rooms, etc. This dining mom will seat h\"e hundred and fifty pupils without 
undue crowding. It opens directly off the large kitchen, which is well sup- 
plied with the appliances usualh" found in large hotel kitchens. The floor abo\-e 
is occuijied b\' the girls' reading room, officers' dining room, matron's parkir, 
and Ijedrooms for officers and domestics. The second floor is occupied as a 
girls' dormitory. 

Running Ijack from the rear buikling is a long one-story extension. In it 
we come first to the laundry. Two large rooms are taken up by the mangle, 
drv room, and ironing tables. Then comes the tin shop, and beyond that the 
laundr\' ])roper, containing two of the largest sized washers, a centrifugal 
wringer, stationary tubs, soap \nt and clothes craters. Xext to this is the 
pumj) r(.)oni. where a huge steam ])ump pumjis the water needed in our upper 
stories, and stands ready in case of fire to drive a torrent through the system 
of standpipes with which the buildings are supplied. Back of the ptimp room 
is the boiler house. This is one of the most expensi\-e places in the whole 
school, the two ihree-hundred-horse-power water tube boilers, requiring nearly 
three thousand tons of coal a year to keep our binldings warm, and four men 
to look after them. 

Connected with the pump room is the engine room. This is finished with 
a beautiful inlaid wainscoting in black walnut ami maple, the construction of 
which furnished many hours of excellent ])ractice for the young- cabinet- 
makers. Two direct connected McEwen engines and (hnamos. Inn'lt liv the 



(il'IXESEE COLW TN'. MRIlMlAX. 301 

Riclgwav luigine and Dynamo Comijany. i^enerate tlie electricity that li.^lits all 
our hnildini^'s, and dri\-es tlic motors at difk'renl places aljnut the huildinti's 
where power is needed. 

( )n the Ljronnds. a C()H])le nf InuKlred feet frutn the trunl dndr. stands 
the su])erinlendeiit's cottage. 'I'he name "cuttagX'" has attached itself to this 
Imilding- prohahly hecause it is smaller than the main Imilding-. It is really 
a commodious ten-room residence, and tlie liandsomesl sni^erintendent's hnnie 
in .\nierica. It stands as a iiKmnment nf what deaf liDys. when ijn'perly 
instructed, can dn w ith tnols, fnr the woe id wi irk nf the hnildin,!.;' and ninst nf the 
fnrnitiire was made \)X the hoys of the cahinet simp. It has thn> liecome a 
standin,^" e.xample nf the degree of e.xcellence that we e.xpect from them, and 
manv a vonng man w Im has in a fit of discouragement complained that Mr. 
liartdii. the instructnr in cahinet-making. was a little too strict in re(|uiring- a 
])erfect lit in a joint, or flawless hihsh 1 m a surface, has heen hrciught to a 
realizing sense of the necessit}- of such exactness, and the ])Mssil)ility of his 
attaining to it hy a \isit to the "Cdtiage." 

Sotue eight hundred feet east nf the sn])erintendcnt's cottage. l)Ut cm- 
nected witli all the nther 1)nildings hy cement walks, is llmwii hall, nur school 
huilihiig. Its architecture is etitirely dilTereiU frnm that (d the nther hmldings. 
It is hnilt I if dark red jjressed brick, trimmed with red sandstone, and con- 
tains fortv-three schodlriMnns. an assetnhh rinim, gymnasium, reception room, 
office, etc. The hnilding cmers twn hundred and eighteen feet from east to 
west, and (Hie hundred and thirty feet frum mirth ti 1 snuth. 

luitering the end nearest the main Imilding, under a massive ])cirtecochere, 
the stairs nn the left lead to the basement, while a step or two on the right 
takes line intn the main hall on the first tlimr. In the west wing of the base- 
meiU. I in <ine side, is a large swimming imnl fur the buys, and on the nther 
their la\atnry. 'Idiese occui)y the wlmlL- wing. 'I'he east wing is given up to 
the same coiueniences for the girls. .\11 nf the central part nf the basement 
is one large ball. \"isitors on entering this nfteu wnuder at the richness ;uid 
great \ariet\' nf its decoratimi. This rnnm is the Imme (>\ the class in house 
decoratinn. Its walls ha\-e rcceixed their first attem])ts at decoration, which 
ha\'e been jjainted n\er with more pretenlinus designs, as their skill increased, 
and these again b\ the best efforts nf the nmst skillful— their masterwnrks Ije- 
fnre graduating. All nf tbc designs that a])pear nn the walls and ceilings 
abn\e were first worked nut nn ])a])er here. 



39- 



BIOGRAl'HICAL HISTOUV 



P>ack lit this is the engine rnuni anil fan. Here a t\\enty-ti\e Imrse- 
power engine dri\es a huge fan. which forces thirty-five thousand cuhic feet of 
air each minute intu the Imilding. clnanging the air in e\"ery schooh'oom once 
in e\er\' ten minutes. 

I 'art of this air passes thmugl: a s\-stem of steam coils, containing four 
miles of steam pii>e. and is heated to ahout \ t,o degrees: part passes under these 
coils, and is on1\- heated to ahout ()0 degrees. Self-acting thermostats and 
dam])ers regulate the proportion of this hot and cold air supplied to each 
roi.ini according to the temperature in that room. In this way the amount 
of air sent to each room is aUva\'s the same, hut its temperature constanth" 
changes. 

Back of the engine room is the Imilcr house, where the steam for run- 
ning the engine and heating the coils and the water in the swimming tanks 
is generated. All the furniture used in this l)uilding, except the chairs, was 
made in our own cahmet shop. 

C.VBIXET M.\KIX(;. 

The cahinet shoj) occupies the entire ground lloor and part of the second 
iloo]- in the old ^hop huilding. On the ground tloor are fourteen work henches, 
su])plied with all the tools that a cahinet-maker ordinariK- uses, ami leaving 
ahundant space lietween them for large articles, with room around them for 
tiiose who are at work on them. There are also those machine tools which 
are most frequenth met with in \\ooil-w( irking estalilishments, such as huzz- 
saws. jig-saws, planers, sharjjers, turning lathes, \eneer jjresses and a car\-ing 
machine, which was huilt h\' the instructor. .V small mom at one side con- 
tains the drafting tahle and stores of \-ariotis kinds; u])stairs are the finishmg 
room and the iqiholstering room. In the first of these Ijoys learn how to put 
on the ""finish" which all fine work reijuires. and which can iinl\- come from 
good \-arnish, skillfulK" applied, and long and patiently ruhlied down. 

I'pholstering is a trade b)' itself. W'e do not i)retend to teach it ex- 
hausti\ely, hut though it is not cahinet-makiug, it is \ery con\enient for a 
cabinet-maker to know smuething of it — enough to finish an arm chair, or a 
sofa, and those of our hows who finish the cmn-se in the cabinet sho|) k-now 
this, while those who ha\e a taste for this work lea\e us really good iirtlinary 
w I irkmen. 



GEXi'.si'.i': a)L■.\■|■^'. mk iik.ax. 393 

W'e arc in the h:il)il nf si)eakinij' nf all a 1m ly k-anis in this shop as "cabiiiet- 
iiiakinu-," and call it all ime traile. if a hoy stays hi-- full time thefc. how- 
e\er. he will he pmlicient in all of the fi )ll(i\\ int;-. which are .<iiven in the 
■■American Annal> nf the Deaf" as '■industries taus^ht" — cahinet-makinii'. car- 
pentrv. chair-makini^-. .s^lazini;. ])aintint;". wiHid-carving, wen Kl-turniiig — be- 
sides ha\ino- some knowledge of forging and tem])ering ^mall tools and up- 
holstering. .\lan\- of them, too, on graduating, are fairly good at designing 
furniture. 

S 1 1 oi: M A K I .\'G 1)EP.\KT -M l^X T. 

The remainiler of the ojil shn|) Imdding is occupied hy the shoeshop. 
Some years ago we serioush thought of abandoning tliis trade. Xot that it 
was not one than paid the school, hut because we thought it did not jirepare 
our h'ovs so that they could lea\e sch(jiil feeling that they had a trade by 
which they could earn a living. The truth is that shoeniaking has changed. 
Instead of being one trade, it has split u]) into several factory avocations, for 
nearlv all shoes are now made in factories, and though many still think that 
a "hand-sewed" shoe is perfection, good machine sewing is both better and 
prettier. All that is left for the old shoemaker is a few old-fashioned cu.sto- 
mers. who still insist on having shoes made to order, a few people with itiis- 
shapeii feet who can not wear ready-made .slioes. ami repairs to ready-made 
shoes. Even the repairer's trade has greatly changed. He must turn out a 
neat-looking job and will find his health anil wealth both itn])roved by using 
some of the factory appliances. The foreiuan of a factory no longer look> 
for sliocinakers. He em])loys hamls on ujipers. buttonhole makers, lasters, 
hands for various machines, liuishers. cutters, etc. 

Some \ears ago we recognixed full\- that the hoys who Icit our shop 
able onl\- to make good farmers' shoes, or e\en boot^, liad no chance whate\-er 
to make a liviti.g: and e\en if he could turn out most excellent tine shoes in 
order to get work he would ])i-obablv ha\e to go to a factory and there learn 
his trade over again. I'ossihly he cipuld settle down in some small town, 
get a little shoemaking. and a great deal of mendin.g. and make a lair living. 
To make our shop of use to our ])upils we must train them so that the\- could 
go to a factor\- ami ask for work, sax'ing T am a ■'lasier." a ■'McKay operator. 
etc.. or go to the citv and start to build u]) a trade as an ■"artistic repairer." So 
almost all the old benches were moved u]) to the garret, and the tools and ap- 



394 BIOGRAI'HICAL lliSTORY 

pliances nf the factnry tnok their place. A regular s_\stem (if tact(_)ry work was 
introduced. Each l)(i\- has to go through the whole s}'stem. He is kept lijug 
enough in each of the positions to thoroughl}- know how to do all th;it is 
done there, and then mo\-ed on to the next, finishing at the cutting hoaril. 
After that he has a course in handwork, and in designing patterns, and as a 
finishing touch, s\'stematic instruction ni re])airing. He then knows all al)out 
shoemaking" from personal experience. He can select the specialt\' he wishes 
to pursue with a full understanding of what he will have to do, and haxing 
made an intelligent selection, he can de\iite the remainder of his time in the 
shop to ac(juiring speed and skill, which in future years will mean dollars to 
him. 

F( ir years past actual experience has proved that our shoe shop does 
turn out workmen who get places and keep them, and whose presence in 
a factory is apt to hring to the school wurd that if we have anv more of the 
same sort they will Ije glad of them. '\'\\n or three years ago a new de- 
partment was added ti.i this shoj) by litting u|) a room, where those boys who 
ex])ect to li\-e in the countr\- or small towns are taught harness-making. 

We ho])e that it will Ije distinctively borne in mind that the object of 
this sho]) is not to make shoes Init shoemakers. d"he great difference is that if 
we were ruiniing the shop fcjr profit we would put a bo_\- at one thing, and when 
he learne<l to do that well and rapidh', would keep him at it. L'nder this 
system we could quicklv run up the i )utput i if < mr ^ln i\) to an amount that w nild 
supph' all this part of Michigan. As it is. we put a bov at ditiferent work as 
soon as he knows how' to do \vhat he is at. This policv teaches tlie boy, 
but greatly reduces the amount of work done. We suppl}' all of our own 
pupils, and some few others, princi])all\- the officers and teachers of the school, 
and do not at all interfere with the sh<ie trade. 

PRIXTING DEP.VRTMENT. 

Xear the old shop is the Turner industrial hall. The appropriation for 
this building was maile In' the legislature in iS(>7, and it was occupied that 
fall. It is a plain brick building, containing four work roonis, fort\' ])\' fifty, 
and C(TSt .'^5,000. In it are the printing office, the tailor shcjp, the art and 
dressniaking de])artnients. 

The iirinting office, on the left as von enter the Imilding. has lieen in 



GEXESEI': COL'X'IV. .MK IIKiAX. 395 

operatinn at tliis sclnnil iuv many \-ears. I, ike the slioeslni]) tliere was a time 
when we seriously thim.s^ht nl" discontinuins^- it. W'e arc nmv (lehatins" 
wlietlier we ong'ht nut to introduce ty|)e-settinsi' machinery, ami so l)rino- the 
sliop u|) to tlie re(|uirements of nioilern times. ( )ne of the most expert Mtr- 
genthalcr !inot\[)e ojierators in .Micliii^an. Mr. Charles .\. (iumaer, of ( Irand 
Rapids, is a graduate of this office, and. of cour.se. deaf. Jle ac(|uired his 
ahihtv to operate that intricate machine, however, after he graduated. 

There is still, and in s])ite of all machines, there always will l)e a demand 
for thorough printers, those wli'' know e\'er\- hranch of their husiness. and 
for men skilled in "uLaking uii" and "making ready," while a good ]3ressman, 
one who can do reallv good work from half-tone engra\dngs, for instance, can 
always command steady work at fair wages. Se\"eral of the graduates of this 
shop are foremen in ])rinting offices of consideralile importance around the 
state, and our own instructor began here. We belicse that hy jxiying great 
attention to the parts of the business we ba\'e indicated, and to jub work, we 
can turn out \\(]rkmen who e\en in these times can tind steady eniploymcnt. 

T.MLORIXG DEi'.\RTMENT. 

Tlie oilier end of tlie first lloor in Turner hall is occu])ied b\- the tailor 
shop. Here some twent\' pupils are at ])resent. learning their trade. Almost 
all of our l)oys' clothing is made there, and <|uite a number of our otticers pat- 
rcjnize the shoj). 

Our intention, when this industry was first introduced here, was to 
maki' thordiigliK guod t;iilors of all those boys who linished the course. We 
ha\'e not done this because no |)upil has e\er stayed there long enough to 
more than make a beginning in the last and hardest part of the course — 
cutting and fitting, 'fbe)' sla}' long enough to liecome expert "jiants liaiid'^'" 
i)r "coat hands," aiicl then get offers of wages that keep them out iii school, 
Possibh- this may be all right, but the 1)oy who lea\-es two or three years 
before bnisliing his educruion, either in a sho]) or in school, will not do as 
well in the long run as the one who w;iits longer. 

Some \ears ago the strike among the tailors in Detroit, occurring a few- 
weeks before school opened, caused three-fourths of the bo}s in this sho]) to 
sta\' at home. .Most of iliem lia\e keiH the ])laces they found at that time 
e\'er since. 



396 BIOGRAi'HJCAL iUSruRV 

ART DllPARTMENT. 

I'pstairs, oxer tlie tailor sliop. is tlie art ilepartment, under tlie direc- 
tion of ]\Irs. H. R. J. Mercer. Tlie ]ni|)ils are mosth' girls, although some 
l)(i\'s are there. The pupils who work m the studio ha\'e had a course of 
priniar}- instruction in drawing, and are tliere to perfect themseh-es in some 
branch for which the}' have shown sijecial abilit}- or affection. Some give 
fifteen (.>r more hours a week to this work, and others fewer, devoting part 
of their time to other handicrafts. Drawing, designing, wood carving, plate 
engra\ing. art emhroidery, p}-rography and etching are among the industries 
taught here. 

SEWING DEP.\RT.MKNT. 

The sewing department across the hall from the art rooni is one i^f the 
most important branches of our industrial department, Init is one to which 
the writer, for lack of technical knowledge, can hardU- do iustice. Alore 
pujiils are here instructed b\' Aliss Agnes Ballantyne than in anv other shop in 
the whole school. Reginning with plain sewing, a girl goes forward until 
those who ha\'e the abilit}' graduate as jierfect dressmakers, man\- of them 
able to cut and fit. All of the girls' clothing which we furnish, and a great 
].)art of that fiuTiished \>\- the friends of the ])upils. is made here, the dejiart- 
ment making a proper charge for the work done, materials furnished, etc. 

Those girls who so desire and who ha\e the taste and .skill necessarv, ha\'e 
thorough training in the milliner's trade, learning all that is necessar\" for 
them not onl\- to trim their own hats, but, if tlie\- desire, to hold a place in 
a first-class millineiA' shop, nr even to run one themseh'es. 

Separated from all the other buildings by quite a distance, away ofT in 
the orchard in fact, is the neat frame cottage which constitutes our contagious 
hos])ital. I-'rom its position it has ac(|uire(l tb.e name of the "Orchard cot- 
tage." It was linished in 1897 and was intended as a hospital to which e\'er\- 
case of a contagious disease could be at once con\eved. so as to jirevent its 
spread. .\t that time we were greath' crowded, and this snug little building 
oftered a chance to carr}- out a design which the management of the school 
had long cberishecl. The orchard cottage was fitted up as a home for a dozen 
of the older girls, where the\' coulil li\'e as a famih', iloing all the work, ex- 
cept washing, which women usualR- do, with the utensils and appliances com- 



(;i-;xi-;si-:e e"(H•.\"■^^■, AiiciiKiAX. 397 

nionly hmiiil in family Iihuil's. Miss .Mar\- C'rawtDnl. a huh well titled for 
the positimi, was chuscn In i)resi(le <>\er the linuse. and a regular course of 
cooking and lii lusework. with sjjecial attention U> the serving of meals, w'as 
entered n|iiin. 

Since then se\cral classes ha\'e hnished the course there and are go(.)d 
little Cooks. They enter heartily inlu the spirit of their wnrk. are constantly 
sending sani])lcs of their cooking to the su])erintendent and other officers 
of the scliDdl. and ha\c frei|uently entertained the hoard and invited guests at 
dinners nf their nun cm iking. 

.VhiiKst e\er_\- girl in school is looking fdrward tn the time when she 
will ha\e her half \ear in (Orchard cottage and learn to ctK)k. The only 
drawhack tn the plan is that the huilding is intended for a contagious hospital. 
More than once it has hapijcned that the ci» iking school has had to lea\-e a 
meal half cnokcd tn make rmim for a suddenly dexeloped case of scarlet fever. 
'The lung (|uarantine of such cases, and the thnrdugh disinfectinn nf the 
l.)uilding which must always follow l)efore it can l)e again (occupied, usually 
make sad wm'k with the cooking" class, kdrtunateh' we ha\e had very few 
such outJjreaks. 

THE P.Oy.s' DORMITOUV. 

This huilding. erected in i8g5. is on a knoll near the harn, surrounded 
hy ;i line clump of old forest trees. It is the sleeping place of forty-eight boys. 
and. when first erected, was a great relief to our then overcrowded sleeping 
rooms. It was the intcntinn tn have this huikling large enough fnr a hun- 
dred l)n\s, hut the appri i])rialion asked for was cut down a third, and when- 
the l)ids were opened it was found necessary to cut the huilding in half to 
Itring it within tiie sum granted for it. 

It now acccimmodates forty-eight hoys, and a close insjjection nf it will 
slmw that hn\s can keep a huikling neat and clean when they really tr\. 

HARXS. SHEDS. ETC. 

Back nf the hoys' dormitory are the harns. cow sheds, silo and piggery. 
]'"rnm sixt\- to se\ent\- milch cows are kept here the year mund. and e\ery 
year each nne nf them is tested hy the state live stock sanitary commission 
to see if any have developed the heginning nf tuberculosis. They furnish an 



398 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 

alnindrint sujjply uf fresh, pure milk fur e\ery mie. These are ahiiost all 
Ayreshire or shorthorns or high grades fnun those hreeds. The fullbloods 
are all registered animals, and the best (if their kind, and we hope that their 
increase will take the place of the other cows as the\- Ijecome too <jld to be 
]irorttable. The pigs, which we ha\-e kept for years, are white Cheshires and 
ha\-e unifi irmly taken prizes where\-er we ha\'e shown them. F(3r three- 
fourths of the year their f(.iod costs us nuthing, and the_\- are a source of very 
considerable profit. 

This barn merits a mcire extendefl description than we ha\'e space tij gi\'e 
here. Erected from plans drawn b}' Mr. Clarence Cowles. of Saginaw, with 
the assistance and ad\'ice of Mr. A. C. Wright and .Mr. E. F. Swan, both i;if 
whom fro mactual e.xperience know what a barn should be. it combines all the 
modern impnnements and appliances that are really useful and helpful in the 
care of cattle, without an\' nf those fads that are nnU' (irnamental and expen- 
si\e. intd what is probably the best arranged and most convenient Ijarn in 
the state. 

THE CHILDKEN". 

E\erything here, from the main buildnig tn the cmv shed, is here for 
the good of the deaf children of the state of Michigan. The object of it all is 
that they ma}- l)e educated, trained and fitted for citizenship. That the school 
does So fit them is shown by its record. Xo set of people, anywhere, are more 
worthy oi praise tlian the educated deaf. W hile thev rarely hold office, and 
can not possilil}- rise to the higher offices of the state and nation, thev never 
■ enter its [)risons. nor. with rare e.xceptions, ask fur charitv. \A hen the\- leave 
school they e.xpect to maintain themsehes. and. unless some unexpected mis- 
fortune falls upon them, thev do so. 

Our school is free to every child in r^Iicbigan too deaf to go to the 
public schiHils. \vh(i is mentally and pln'sicallv able to benefit hv our training. 
Still, it is a schiHil, and nut an as^■lum, and is nut intended to shelter those 
whom ignorant, careless, or foolish friends ha\e allowed to grow up without 
instruction till past the age at which they can recei\-e it. It is a school for 
the deaf children onl}'. and those whom their friends represent as being "very 
bright" and hearing perfectly. l)ut nut alile to "speak." rarely profit by methods 
of instructiiin intended solelv fcir thi ise who can not hear. It is \e\'\ sel- 



GENESEE COl'XIN'. M K 1 1 ICAX. 399 

(Iniii. indeed, lliat sucli cliildren make any pnigress here, and we dn not 
intend to keep an_\- child here who does not prou'ress. 

Outside of these there is a lar^e nnmher of chil(h'en. rou,L;hl\- speaking, 
one in ever) lil'icen liumh'ed of tlic ii.ipulation. who can not he educated at 
ilic ])nhlic scliools. liecansc ihey can not hear what is said to them. Tliese 
cliihh'en. no mailer what their deijree of deafness, or wiiellier t!ie\- were Ijorn 
So, or the affliction has only recently hefallen them, are those for whom tliis 
school is intended. The}' come to ns from e\er\- part of the state, and from 
e\'ery state and condition in life, .^ome conic from homes where life itself is 
an edncation. some come from the health-gi\ini4' farm, some front cilv shuns, 
and some ha\e no place that they can call home. 

People often ask: "Are not deaf children \er\ passionate!'" "Are 
the}- not \er_\- hard to manage?"' and other (|nestions which seem to point t(.) 
.an idea that a deaf child is \er}' different from his hearing l^rothers .and 
sisters. The truth is that a deaf child, when he comes to us for the first time, 
is exactly what his training has made him. Some of our children are well 
behaved, polite little ladies and gentlemen : s(ime of them are rougli and boister- 
ous : some <if them are absolutely lacking in self-control — s]5C)iled children 
through and through — a few show nnmistakabl_\- that blows .and neglect are 
all th;U the}' e.Kpect froiu grown jieople. In every case they ai"e what their 
traim'ng has luade them. It is harder for parents to train deaf children, be- 
cause they can not reason with them, and because their affliction speaks so loud 
to ;i p.arent's heart that restraint of ,an}- kind is \erv trving and seems almost 
cruel. 

SPEECtI TE.\CMIIX(;. 

In addition to regular school studies we teach a large ])roportion of our 
pu])ils to speak and read the lips. So much h;is been siiid on this subject in 
the regular reports of this school for the ])ast few vears that it h.ardh' seems 
necessar}- to .add more, but for sotue reason, and by some lueans. neither of 
which we know, the report has been spread o\er the st.alc that the Michigan 
school for the deaf is behind the times — that it does not teach, nor even tr\' 
to do so. Xoihing could be more false. hAer\- child who enters this school 
h;is regular, long continued instruction in speech. Ironi s]>eciall}' trained 
teachers, and this instruction is contiiuie<l for ;U least a }-ear. whether the child 
seems to iiuprove or not. In addition to this we have lwent}"-four classes, all 



400 BIOGRAl'HICAL HISTORY 

taught l)y si)cciall_\- trained teacliers. wliere speech is used constantly in the 
sch()oh"o<im. We are perfectly wiUing to compare tlie speech of our pupils 
with tiiat of any deaf children in the world. We positi\el}' assert that there 
is no danger, \\hate\er, of any child losing speech while at this school, and 
that any child wlm cnuld he taught to speak anywhere, wdl he so taught here. 
These are strong words, but an examinatiun nf dur oral classes will con\ince 
any fair-minded person that they are true, and we challenge such a test. It 
is ver\' eas\' to boast of Avhat one will di> in the future, but we are speaking of 
what we are dning nnw. and ha\e the accomplished results to show. 

TR.\DE TEACHING. 

In addititin tci school \\(.irk e\'ery pupil in Idint learns a trade. In speak- 
ing I if the buildings we ha\'e tuld all about these. This trade teaching is 
considered a very \aluable part of the scho()l training, and no pupil is excused 
from it. The lial)it of working formed in the shops is considered as valualile 
as anything we gixe our ptipils. and if anv one is too good to learn a trade 
and accjuire this habit, that person is entirely too good to come to this 
school. When a ])npil enters the sixth grade regular systematic work at a 
trade must begin. 

DISCIPLINE. 

This work is a \er\' great assistance in the discipline iif the school. It 
seems to make both boys and girls more self-reliant and more easily influ- 
enced li}" a(l\ice and reason. \\'hile our principles do not go to the extent of 
saying that corjxiral ])unishment should ne\ei" be inflicte<l, as a fact its admin- 
istration is \er\- rare in this school. None. excei)t the superintendent, eyer 
uses such means, and it is now years since he has found a 1)0}- Avhom he 
thought needed it. Punishment of any kind is \er}- rare. The one.most often 
employed is to sit in a chair, in the presence of some responsible person, and 
do absolutely nothing. An luiur or two of this generally lirings a repentant 
flame of mind to tlie most obstinate. Depri\ation of play, or privileges, work- 
ing on Saturdays, paying for the property of others destroyed wantonly, or 
by gross carelessness, are the means which, with talks from teachers, the 
heads of shops, or the superin*^endent. we have usually found sufficient with the 
boys: wliile the most hardened sinner among the girls has always melted at 



GENESEE COL'X'IV, MICIIK lAX. 401 

the threat t)f being carridl Ui the superinteiulcnl. Xd one connecleil witli the 
school knows vhat would happen if a girl was really carried to the super- 
imendent's office because she would nut behave. 

CHOIRS. 

The fact that music and song can form no part of the education of the 
deaf makes a great gap in nur Iimuic life. Xo totally deaf person cares at all 
for these things. Many lind il hard tn understand how hearing people can 
care so much for them. But the deaf keenh- afjprcciate graceful motions antl 
enjov seeing them made l)y several persons in unison. We have our "choirs," 
who sing hymns, patriotic airs, or even comic songs as occasion retpiires, 
keeping perfect time, but doing all in silence, and speaking nnly by gestures. 

One needs onl\- to watch the faces of the other children while one of 
these "choirs" is rendering a selection to be convinced that they fully appre- 
ciate the performance. The story-teller, too. is as popular with them as 
among the Orientals. A bov or girl who can remember a story and repro- 
duce it in clear and graceful signs, is always siu^e of a large and attcnti\-c 
audience. 

AMUSEMENTS. 

Our children phi}- \ery nnich as others do. Deafness limits the physical 
power to a \er\- slight extent. Our boys hold their own ,'it football, baseball, 
tennis and all (Jther games of strength and dexterity with other boys of their 
age. Our girls pla\' basket ball and tennis as well, dance as gracefully, are as 
fond of flag and fan drills as any girls. 

Thanksgiving da_\' and Washington's birthday are always occasions on 
which both boys and girls exert themselves to the utmost, and the entertain- 
ments which the\' get up for those nights are always uni(|iie and amusing. 
Sometimes (|ueer obstacles are encountered. One ])antominie of the sm"- 
render of Cornwallis came near being a failure because none of the boys were 
willing to forswear their country and become llritish soldiers. e\en for an 
hour. Au entirely new addition to the historic account had to be im])ro\-isc(l. 
and after laying down his gun each British soldier w;is allowed to protest that, 
though he had fought against W'asliington he saw the error of his wav and 
intended to be a true .\mericrm forever afterward. 



^Y 21 1910 



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